Cervical cancer symptoms are similar to signs of other infections so the only way to know if you have it is by seeing a health worker. Most accurate diagnosis is by a painless test called a pap smear. To do it a health worker takes a sample of cells from the cervix. These are sent to a lab and you get results in a few days. Pap smears are free at most HC's and take just a few minutes. Don't fear the test-doctors have done it many times and it could save your life! Cervical cancer is best treated if found early so test every 2 years. If you cannot get a pap smear then a visual exam (when a doctor looks at the cervix) can help check your cervix is healthy.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation & Marie Stopes