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Screening Tests for Cynecologic Cancer

Posted: May 1, 2009

It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test.

Screening refers to looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.

Gynecologic cancers
The Pap test is a screening test for detecting cervical cancer. Women should have a pelvic exam every year as well as a yearly Pap test.

Women at high risk for endometrial cancer should have a sample of endometrial tissue biopsied when menopause begins.

If a screening test result is abnormal, you may need to have more tests done to find out if you have cancer. These are called diagnostic tests.


Source: National Cancer Institute

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