Battling Cervical Cancer: DNA Test More Effective Than Pap Smear

Dr. Marie Savard Explains Differences Between a Pap Smear and a DNA Test

By Dr. Marie Savard
April 7, 2009

A DNA test that detects the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, is more effective than Pap smears at detecting and preventing the disease, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A new study finds DNA test to detect HPV is more effective than Pap smears.

"Good Morning America" medical contributor Dr. Marie Savard explains the difference between the two procedures and what it means for health.

How is this DNA test different from a Pap smear? And why is it more effective?

Pap smears check for cell changes caused by the cancer, but it is not foolproof. That's why it's done every year because it can miss some cell changes, which it might pick up the next year.

There are many reports of Pap smears not detecting abnormal cells until it's too late and the cancer is advanced. The DNA test, on the other hand, tests for the actual virus, which makes it much more effective as a test for cervical cancer because we now know that all cervical cancer is caused by this virus.