Join Free newsletters and more New Devices Aim at Improving Pap Test Accuracy Improving Pap test accuracy could mean finding many more cervical cancer cases in their early stages. This good article talks about current Pap smear technology.
Early detection means everything with cervical cancer.
There are no early-warning symptoms or physical changes that a woman can detect. The only defense is an accurate Pap test. The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved three new automated systems that show promise of substantially improving the accuracy of Pap tests. Unlike many cancers that cause pain, noticeable lumps, or other early symptoms, cervical cancer has no telltale symptoms until it is so advanced that it is usually unresponsive to treatment. Symptoms may even be absent at that point, although they often include abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as following intercourse or douching, between menstrual periods, or after menopause.