Los Angeles District
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take a pap smear
All women who are over 18 or who have started sexual activity should have a pap smear. Women under 18 should get a pap smear no later than 12 months after their first intercourse.
Cervical cancer is most common in women 35-50 years old. Abnormal cells take a long time to develop into cancer. Thus, women over 50 who never have had pap smears may have cervical cancer that is not easily treated.
Studies are finding that more young women are having abnormal cells. This may be related to earlier start of sexual activity and exposure to cancer causing infections. Therefore, all women need to have pap smears.