Pap Smears and Ovarian Cancer: What You Need to Know

A Pap test, or Pap smear, is a screening test used to detect potentially precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. It is not a test for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs.

While a Pap test cannot detect ovarian cancer, it is still an important screening tool for cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests can help prevent cervical cancer by identifying and treating abnormal cell changes before they become cancerous.