Which cancer screening test is used for routine screening of cervical cancer?

• A. Mammography
• B. Pap smear
• C. Colonoscopy
• D. Pelvic ultrasound

Answer: (B)

Cervical cancer screening relies on detecting abnormal cervical cells before cancer develops. The Pap smear is the routine test used for this purpose. It collects cells from the cervix and examines them under a microscope to identify precancerous changes or early cancer, allowing intervention that can prevent progression. While mammography screens for breast cancer, colonoscopy screens for colorectal cancer, and pelvic ultrasound is an imaging tool for evaluating pelvic organs or symptoms, none of these serve as standard routine screening tests for cervical cancer.