At Apex Medical Professionals in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, we believe preventive care is the foundation of long-term wellness. Led by Dr. Walid E. Elkhalili, our team of six dedicated providers is committed to protecting your health at every stage of life. One of the most powerful tools we offer for preventive care is the Pap smear. It’s a simple screening that can literally save your life.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death among American women. Today, thanks to routine screenings, those numbers have dropped significantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US now sees an incidence of 7.6 cervical cancer cases per 100,000 women annually. However, keeping these numbers low requires staying on top of your routine well women exams.
Pap smears detect abnormal cell changes on your cervix before they have a chance to turn into cancer. During this quick test, we gently collect a small sample of cells from your cervix — the lower part of the uterus — to check for any unusual developments. This allows us to identify and treat precancerous cells early, long before you experience any physical symptoms.
Unfortunately, many young adults are falling behind on this essential screening. A recent study showed that the percentage of women aged 21 to 29 who have never been screened grew from 12.5% in 2005 to 31.9% in 2023. Delaying this test leaves you vulnerable, as early changes in cervical cells cause no symptoms. We make the screening process as comfortable, quick, and stress-free as possible.
Most cervical cancers are linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. Even if you have received the HPV vaccine, are not sexually active, and feel perfectly healthy, you should get routine Pap smears. HPV can be dormant in your body’s cells for years, even decades, before suddenly reactivating and causing abnormal cell growth.
Additionally, while the HPV vaccine is highly effective, it doesn’t protect against every high-risk strain of the virus. This means that even vaccinated individuals remain at some risk for developing changes in the cells of their cervix. Regular screenings through our comprehensive women’s health services remain the best way to ensure you stay fully protected.
Your health is too important to put on the back burner. If you’re due for a screening, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule a visit with our team today by calling or messaging us.
