Pap Smear, Cervical Cancer, and Public Health Implications: Analysis

This assignment explores the significance of Pap smears in the context of public health and cervical cancer prevention. The assignment discusses the process of a Pap smear, highlighting its role in detecting abnormal cells in the cervix, often caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, especially for sexually active women, as a crucial step in early cancer detection. The assignment also highlights the importance of early detection to increase the chances of survival. The assignment further examines the public health implications of cervical cancer and the role of Pap smears in reducing its impact, referencing relevant studies and the importance of regular check-ups.

The principles of pap smears and their relationship to sexual and reproductive health
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The principles of pap smears and their relationship to sexual and reproductive health
Pap smear is a text done by the healthcare provider to determine changes in the cervical
cells. The changes in the cells are caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV),
which can cause cervical cancer if the changes are not detected at an early stage. In this case, the
first principle of pap smear involves a cervical screening to detect abnormal or unusual cells in
the birth canal. Second, since Aisha is married, it is important for her to have a pap smear
because it is recommended that sexually active women to have a cervical screen at least once in
two years. The third principle is that, during the test, cells should be scraped from the cervix and
smeared on a glass slide for examination. Fourth, the exercise should not be excruciating (Nadaf,
Rani, Rao & Shastri, 2017). Finally, individuals who are sexually active increase cell activity in
the canal. In this case, Aisha should undergo the test in order to detect cervical cancer early, this
is because, cells change when one is sexually active which exposes an individual to cervical
cancer (Morikawa & Nishi, 2017).
Therefore, it is important for Aisha to undergo the tests as it is the best way to detect
abnormal cells in the canal which can cause cancer. Cervical cancer is common in women,
however, if detected early, the patient has higher chances of survival.

References
Morikawa, L. H., & Tauchi-Nishi, P. S. (2017). The Clinical Significance of Endometrial Cells
Detected on Pap Testing: The Impact of Revisions to the 3rd Edition of the Bethesda
System for Reporting Cervical Cytology. Annals of Clinical & Laboratory
Science, 47(3), 298-305.
Nadaf, A., Rani, H., Rao, R., & Shastri, D. (2017). Pap Smears in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma:
Does It Have a Role?. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention: APJCP, 18(4), 1145.