A pap smear is a pap test which tests for cervical cancer within women. Pap smear involves collecting cells from the patient’s cervix, the lower, narrow end of the female’s uterus that is located at the top of the vagina. Detecting cervical cancer is what a pap smear exam was created for, as it provides early cancer screening which gives the patient an opportunity to a greater chance at a cure. Pap smear exams can also detect any changes within your cervical cells which may suggest that cancer can develop in the future. By detecting these abnormal cells earlier on with a routine pap smear, it is the first step in slowing down or completely stopping the possible development of cervical cancer. While pap smears are often done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. Pelvic exams and pap smears are normally done every 3 to 5 years if you continuously have normal pap results. If your pap results come back with abnormal results, it may be recommended you come in more often to have checks completed.