Many women are so busy with work, family, and other responsibilities that they forget to take care of their own health. But regular health checkups, also called preventive screenings, are extremely important. These tests help find health problems early—when they are easier to treat. Two of the most important screenings for women are Pap smears and mammograms.
A Pap smear checks for early signs of cervical cancer. In this test, a doctor gently collects some cells from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It only takes a few minutes and is not painful, though it may feel a little uncomfortable. Women should start getting Pap smears at age 21 and continue until age 65. Usually, one test every 3 years is enough. After age 30, some women may also get tested for HPV (a virus that can cause cervical cancer) along with the Pap smear.
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