Health Corner
Why should you have a cervical screening test?
Cervical screening, also known as the Pap smear test, is a simple and highly effective method for detecting cervical cancer. It can quickly and easily identify abnormal changes in cervical cells. Since cervical cells often become abnormal several years before cancer develops, this test allows doctors to detect early signs of disease and arrange further investigations or treatment in time to prevent cervical cancer from forming.
Does a cervical screening test hurt?
During the procedure, healthcare staff gently open the vaginal wall using a speculum and use a small plastic brush to collect cervical cell samples. The brush is then placed into a container with a preservation solution, which is sent to the laboratory for testing.
The test is typically painless if the woman remains relaxed. However, if she feels tense or nervous, vaginal muscles may tighten around the speculum, causing mild discomfort. The temperature of the instrument may also cause slight uneasiness.
When should you have a cervical screening test?
In general, women aged 25 to 64 who have ever been sexually active—regardless of marital status—should have regular cervical screening.
According to the Department of Health’s guidelines:
-
After your first test, if the result is normal, a second test should be done one year later.
-
If the second result is also normal, you may continue screening every three years thereafter.
What do cervical screening (Pap smear) results mean?
| Test Result | Meaning |
| Negative | No abnormal cells detected |
| Inadequate | Insufficient or poor-quality sample |
| Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS) | Minor cell changes, usually resolve naturally |
| Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance (AGUS) | Abnormal glandular cells present; follow-up Pap test or colposcopy required every 3 months |
| Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LGSIL) | Mild cell changes; about 85% resolve naturally within 2 years, 15% may progress |
| High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HGSIL) | Moderate to severe cell changes; 1–2% may develop into invasive cancer |
| Invasive Cancer | Cells show characteristics of cervical cancer |
Every year, around 500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in Hong Kong. Women aged 25 and above are encouraged to undergo regular cervical screening for early detection and treatment.
