What type of cancer does a pap smear test for?

A pap smear test is a screening test used to detect precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus located at the end of the vagina. Pap smears are commonly used as a preventive measure to detect cervical cancer, which is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix. The test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to identify any abnormal changes.