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In addition to detecting cervical cancer, the Pap smear could also warn of a risk of breast or ovarian cancer, according to a new study.
Pap smears from the cervix may be able to detect more cancers than previously thought. Currently the cells taken during the smear of the cervix (or cervical smear) make it possible to carry out an HPV-HR test (Human Papilloma Virus-High Risk test) to alert, or not, on a risk of cancer of the cervix. But in an article published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, on February 1, 2022, we learn that this test could be used to detext other cancers.
Identify the birth of cancer cells
Before becoming cancerous, some cells begin to change at the molecular level. In the study report, several researchers explain that the cells taken during the smear could help identify some of these changes early and warn if the patient is at risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed samples of smears from 249 women affected by ovarian cancer to compare them with 869 healthy ones. Then they then made the same comparison between 329 women with breast cancer with smears from 869 women without breast cancer.
Before drawing any official conclusions, the researchers want to do more research and see if the Pap smear could detect even more cancers. “This test could make it possible to warn a large number of women about the risk of cancer in order to have them pass other examinations and confirm the diagnosis. It is a bit like the blood test which makes it possible to predict or not the risk of heart problems today”, Professor Widschwendter told BBC News. An added chance to treat certain cancers in time to improve survival rates.
As a reminder : Cervical cancer screening by smear is recommended from age 25 to age 65. One smear per year, the first two years then every three years thereafter if the results are good. The examination can be carried out by a gynecologist or a midwife.