What cervical screening can tell about your health

Abnormal pap smear results could indicate treatable infections or early signs of cancer, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Timothy Lim Yong Kuei

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Taking care of your health extends beyond staying active and eating well - it also includes screening for silent conditions that may not reveal obvious signs.

For women, cervical cancer is one such threat. It often develops slowly and without symptoms, but regular screening can detect abnormalities in the cervix before the cancer takes hold.

One common screening method is the pap smear, used to check for infection, inflammation and early signs of cancer, says Dr Timothy Lim Yong Kuei, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mount Alvernia Hospital. Here, he explains more about the test and when followups are required.

Whom is the pap smear for, and how often should one take the test?