Question

it is important that women visit a doctor regularly for a procedure called a pap smear or pap test, which tests women for cervical cancer. this test involves the collection of cells from the cervix, which is located at the bottom of the uterus. doctors can identify abnormal cells, making the pap smear an important tool for early detection of cervical cancer. additionally, doctors can use the pap smear to screen for human papillomavirus. (hpv), which can lead to cervical cancer. according to this passage, what is the purpose of a pap smear? to treat cervical cancer to detect abnormal cervical cells to diagnose ovarian cancer to prevent hpv

Explanation:

The passage states that the Pap smear tests for cervical cancer, and doctors can identify abnormal cells (early detection). It doesn't mention treating cancer (first option wrong), it's for cervical not ovarian cancer (third option wrong), and it screens for HPV (a cause) not prevents it (fourth option wrong).

Answer:

to detect abnormal cervical cells