Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear Test) is available at JTS Medical Centre at AED 249 only (includes Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultation and Liquid Based Cytology (Papsmear).  Offer available for a Limited period only.

What is Cervical Cancer Screening?

• Cervical screening is a test to check for pre-cancer changes in the lower part of the womb (cervix). Pre-cancerous cells, if left untreated, can become cervical cancer.
• The doctor inserts an instrument, called a speculum, into the vagina and takes a small sample of cells by touching the cervix with a spatula/ brush for analysis. The cell sample is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.
• It is only mildly uncomfortable and generally not painful. The test will be completed in a few minutes. It takes a few days for the results.
• This test is commonly known by different names – smear test, Pap smear, Pap test, LBC (Liquid-based cytology), cervical cytology, or cervical smear.

How common is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer after breast cancer and affects young women. In countries where routine cervical screening is performed for all women, cervical cancer has been reduced.

Who should be screened?

For all women between ages 25 and 64, the Pap smear should be done periodically every three to five years.

How to prepare for a Pap smear?

• Do not douche or use vaginal creams during the two days before the test.
• A pap smear is not done during periods (menstruation) because it can cause inaccurate test results.

KNOW MORE ABOUT PAP SMEAR RESULT

• Cervical smear test will be reported as negative, borderline, inadequate, dyskaryosis, or malignant cells are seen. A Pap test is not always 100% accurate.
•  If the Pap smear is normal, your Doctor will recommend how often you should be tested based on your risk factors for cervical cancer. A routine Pap smear is recommended even if you have been vaccinated for HPV.
• Cervix pre-cancer is suspected when the smear test shows changes called dyskaryosis. Dyskaryosis can be mild, moderate or severe. All grades of pre-cancer abnormality reported on smear tests require follow-up with colposcopy and/or treatment.

ABNORMAL SMEAR TEST &  FOLLOW-UP

• Colposcopy can detect pre-cancer changes that cannot be seen easily by looking at the cervix. The examination is done with a speculum using a colposcope (a microscope for a detailed examination of the cervix). This checks the extent and severity of any problem. Special solutions are applied to the cervix, and a biopsy (a tissue sample) is taken, if needed, during the colposcopy.
• When a pre-cancer abnormality is seen in the biopsy sample, it is called Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN is graded as 1 – 3 based on the extent of cell changes in the tissue.

TREATMENT FOR CERVICAL PRE-CANCER

• Early pre-cancer abnormalities (early grade CIN – CIN 1) may disappear on their own without treatment but needs follow-up. Higher grades of pre-cancer require follow-up and local treatment. The follow-up schedule will be decided based on the grade of changes.
• If cervical cancer is detected, follow up with a cancer specialist oncologist) for surgery and or other types of treatment (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) will be needed.

Where can I go for a pap smear in Dubai?

Getting a pap smear in Dubai is easy and convenient. Many clinics and hospitals throughout the city provide this vital service. Your general practitioner may be able to provide you with a pap smear, or you can visit a specialized gynecologist who can provide you with this service. Several online portals can help you find a clinic or hospital offering pap smears in your area. With the correct information, finding a place to get your pap smear in Dubai is easy.

What is the cost of a pap smear in Dubai?

A pap smear in Dubai typically costs between AED 300 and AED 400 and specialist obstetrics and gynecology consultation will cost around AED 250 to AED 650. It is important to note that the exact cost will depend on the specific medical facility you choose for your test. It is also a good idea to check if your insurance plan covers the cost of a pap smear. A Pap smear test at JTS Medical Centre costs AED 380.

References:

NHS Cervical Screening Program
https://www.bsccp.org.uk/assets/file/uploads/resources/NHSCSP_20_Colposcopy_and_Programme_Management_(3rd_Edition)_(2).pdf

The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/cervical-cancerscreening-guidelines.html

Performance Monitoring for cervical Cancer Screening Programs in Canada
http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/cdmc/cancer/pmccspcsrpdccuc/pdf/cervical-eng.pdf

Ontario Cervical Screening Guidelines
https://www.cancercare.on.ca/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=13104

NCCN cervical cancer screening guidelines
https://www.cancercare.on.ca/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=13104

ACOG-cervical cancer screening guidelines
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cervical-Cancer-Screening

Implementation of cancer screening in the European Union (2017)
https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/major_chronic_diseases/docs/2017_cancerscreening_2ndreportimplementation_en.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2826099/

European guidelines for quality assurance in cervical cancer screening
http://screening.iarc.fr/doc/ND7007117ENC_002.pdf