Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the cellular changes in the cervical canal are caused by a Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is very common. HPV occurs both in men and women, and is spread through sexual contact.  Most of the HPV infections are harmless, and disappear by themselves, but sometimes the infection persists and leads to serious cellular changes that can develop into cervical cancer. Efficient treatment is available. The treatment reduces the risk of getting cervical cancer.

Having a Pap test regularly (screening) can increase the possibility of finding cellular changes and thereby prevent cervical cancer. Ask your physician about the advantages and disadvantages of screening.

You can not have a Pap test at The Cancer Registry, but have to make an appointment with your general physician (GP). You might bring this letter along. If you want to use a gynecologist, you will usually need a referral from your GP. The cost of the visit to the doctor and for the test, you will have to pay yourself. The physician who takes the test will inform you about the result, and contact you if additional follow-up is necessary. The best time for having the Pap test, is between two menstrual periods.

It takes some time before the result of your test will be registered in The Cancer Registry. If you have had a Pap test during the past three to four months and don’t have any gynecological problems; you don’t need to have a new test and you can disregard this letter.

The Cancer Registry sends letters to women between 25 and 69 years of age who didn’t have a Pap test every third year and to those who didn’t  see the doctor for a re-test after mild cellular changes were discovered. If you do not wish to receive these letters, please contact us at The Cancer Registry.

If you have surgically removed the cervix, we would like to be informed. Please contact us at The Cancer Registry*. If you are in doubt whether your cervix is removed or not, you can ask your general physician (“Fastlege”), who can help you with more information.

The Cancer Registry registers all tests taken from the cervix under the provisions of The Cancer Registry Regulations. When you have a smear taken, your physician will ask you if you consent to the registration of your name and birth number if the findings are normal. If you want to make a reservation against registration of name and birth number if the findings are normal, please contact The Cancer Registry.

Reservation against registration and against receiving letters can be cancelled, at any time. If you want to cancel, please contact us at The Cancer Registry.