In South Africa, the importance of getting a Pap smear cannot be overstated. This simple test could be the difference between life and death for many women, as it helps to detect cervical cancer— one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country.
Yet, despite its lifesaving potential, many women in South Africa either don’t know about it, or they don’t know how important it is.
This article dives into the significance of Pap smears, the challenges South African women face in accessing them, and what you can expect if you’ve never had one.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear, sometimes called a Pap test, is a simple procedure used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could potentially turn into cervical cancer.
If caught early, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. The Pap smear detects changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous, allowing doctors to act early and prevent the disease from progressing.
Cervical cancer is a major health issue in South Africa. According to the National Cancer Registry, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women, following breast cancer, with roughly 7,700 new cases diagnosed annually.
Unfortunately, many women are diagnosed too late, when the cancer has already advanced, making treatment more complicated and less likely to be successful.
According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, many women are anxious about getting a Pap smear due to uncertainty about the procedure.
Even though a Pap smear can be uncomfortable, it could save your life. “Don’t put it off – schedule your screening today and encourage the women in your life to do the same.”
This is where the importance of routine Pap smears comes in.
Despite the clear benefits, many women in South Africa are not getting regular Pap smears. A study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that only 57% of women between the ages of 30 and 49 reported ever having had a Pap smear.
This is far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation, which suggests that all women should start getting Pap smears from the age of 21 (or earlier if sexually active) and continue with regular screenings every 3-5 years.
Understanding the dangers of not getting screened
The dangers of skipping or delaying Pap smears are real. Cervical cancer usually doesn’t show symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, which makes early detection through Pap smears all the more important.
By the time symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse appear, the cancer may already be at an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.
Without regular Pap smears, women are at a higher risk of developing invasive cervical cancer, which can be deadly if not caught early. Early detection can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancer cases, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
What to expect during a Pap smear:
The preparation: During the test, you’ll lie on an examination table, and a healthcare provider will gently insert a small tool called a speculum to open the vaginal walls. This allows them to see the cervix.
The test itself: A small sample of cells is then taken from the cervix using a soft brush or spatula. The whole process takes just a few minutes.
After the test: Most women experience no pain afterwards, although there might be slight discomfort during the test. You may also have light spotting, but this is completely normal.
The sample is then sent to a lab where it’s examined for any abnormal cells. If the results are normal, you won’t need another Pap smear for a few years.
If the results show any abnormalities, your doctor will guide you on the next steps, which may include further testing or treatment.
Cervical cancer can be prevented by:
- Avoiding multiple sexual partners.
- Using condoms to prevent the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) (which is linked to cervical cancer).
- Postponing first
- Vaccinating with the HPV vaccine.
- Increasing physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Avoiding harmful use of alcohol.
- Not using tobacco products.
Women with HIV infection generally have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
In South Africa, public healthcare clinics offer Pap smears for free to women over the age of 30, with follow-up tests every 10 years according to government guidelines.
However, many healthcare providers recommend more frequent tests, especially for younger women or those at higher risk of cervical cancer.
Private healthcare facilities also offer Pap smears and, while there may be a cost involved, many medical aid schemes cover the test as part of their preventative care benefits.