Cervical Cancer Screening: What Vietnamese Women Should Know Cervical Cancer Screening: What Vietnamese Women Should Know
National Institute of Cancer

I learned about cervical cancer when my friend died from it. After that, the women in my family started to talk about this disease.

My family is religious. My aunt said, “We cannot stop fate. What will be, will be.” In some cases, I think this is true. But not with cervical cancer.

My friend is a doctor. She told me that a Pap test can prevent cervical cancer when you get the test regularly and follow up with your doctor as needed. I am glad to know that there is something we can do. Now all the women in my family have Pap tests regularly… – not just once. We do not want to lose a family member to cervical cancer!

It was a little embarrassing at first to get the test. But I had a Pap test because I think nothing could be worse than the pain I felt when my friend died too soon from cervical cancer. I come from a family of very strong women and when something is important for our family, we do it!

I tell every woman – especially Vietnamese women – to get a Pap test at least every 3 years and follow up with their doctor for the results. And get treatment if they need it. Pap tests save lives.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Le Thi Lam

Each year over 10,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Vietnamese-American women get cervical cancer more often than most other women.

There is a simple 5-minute test called the PAP-Test or (PAP SMEAR). This test looks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer if left untreated. If cell changes are found early and treated, cervical cancer can be prevented. Many Vietnames women do not get regular PAP TESTS.


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