Essentially, the doctor will insert a swab into the rectum to take some samples of the cells in the rectum. It is not painful but may be uncomfortable.

Anal Pap smear is a screening test for anal cancer and looks at the cells in the rectum to look at abnormal cells that may suggest cancer.

In its early stages, anal cancer often has no obvious symptoms. In later stages, symptoms that may be experienced by some people are:

• blood or mucus in stools (faeces) or on toilet paper
• itching, discomfort or pain around the anus
• a feeling of fullness, discomfort or pain in the rectum
• a lump near the edge of the anus
• ulcers around the anus
• difficulty controlling bowels

There is no preparation needed for anal pap smear. Do not apply anything like gels/ creams around the anal area prior to the test.