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Why it matters?

Early detection is key for preventing cervical cancer.

The purpose of my presentation is to inform women about the power of pap smears and to save lives to help shape the future of their health.

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During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider gently collects cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then analyzed in a laboratory for abnormalities. Guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend starting screening at age 21 and repeating every 3 years, or every 5 years when combined with HPV testing (USPSTF, 2018). If abnormal results are detected, the follow-up may include repeat testing, HPV typing, or a diagnostic procedure called a colposcopy.

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"In the early 20th century, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., killing 40,000 women a year" (Health Matters, 2017).

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George Papanicolaou was a doctor and scientist from Greece who helped create a test that saves many lives. He invented the Pap smear in 1928. He made a way for doctors to find early signs of cancer in women; because of his work, many women can get treatment early and stay healthy.

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Pap smears are not just tests, they are life saving procedures that detect problems before they intensify. Early detection through Pap smears prevents approximately 80% of cervical cancers (World Health Organization, 2023). In addition to saving lives, regular screening reduces healthcare costs by avoiding expensive treatments for advanced disease.

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Despite its proven benefits, many women, especially in marginalized communities, remain underserved.

Significant disparities exist in Pap smear access and outcomes. Women of lower socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic minorities, and those in rural areas are less likely to receive timely screenings (CDC, 2023).

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Barriers include: lack of health insurance, cultural stigma, fear of pain or diagnosis, and limited availability of services. Addressing these challenges requires targeted outreach, culturally competent care, and affordable screening programs.

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New tools like HPV co-testing and self-sampling kits are making cervical cancer screening easier and more accurate. Together with the HPV vaccine, these advances could help nearly eliminate cervical cancer, while still keeping Pap smears an important part of women's health care (National Cancer Institute, 2024)."

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Public health initiatives must focus on increasing education about cervical health, supporting subsidized or free Pap smears, and ensuring providers follow standardized screening guidelines. Investment in research, mobile clinics, and self-sampling programs can further bridge gaps in care, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

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Getting a Pap smear should not be scary or painful. Clinics should use softer and more flexible speculums that feel smoother and less cold. Warming up the speculum before the exam can also make a big difference. Giving patients cozy blankets, letting them choose music to play during the exam, or letting them insert the speculum themselves if they want could help them feel more in control. According to my research, some new options allow women to collect their own sample at home with an easy kit. Little touches like a warm room, kind words, and giving clear, gentle instructions can turn a slightly stressful moment into a calm experience.

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Pap smears are a powerful tool for stopping cancer before it starts. To make the biggest impact, future healthcare professionals need to make sure there is equitable access for all, continuously improve the technology, and spread the word through education. By combining regular Pap smears with the HPV vaccine, healthcare providers can work towards ending cervical cancer as a major health problem for all women.

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American Cancer Society. (2024). Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. www.cancer.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Cervical Cancer Rates and Disparities. www.cdc.gov

National Cancer Institute. (2024). HPV and Cancer. www.cancer.gov

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). (2018). Cervical Cancer: Screening. JAMA, 320(7), 674–686.

World Health Organization. (2023). Cervical cancer.