The Papanicolaou Test, also called a Pap test or Pap smear is
used to detect cervical cancer. A variation, the anal Pap is used
to detect anal cancer.
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THE MEDICAL NAME FOR PAP SMEAR IS PAPANICOLAOU. IT IS THE TEST USED IN EVALUATING CELLS OBTAINED FROM BODY FLUIDS, IN THIS CASE, OF THE UTERINE CERVIX. THIS IS A PREVENTITIVE MEASURE FOR CANCER.
Clarification: Pap smears do not prevent cervical cancer, they are a screening tool designed for the early detection of cellular changes.