Question

researching medical screenings
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?
o to treat cervical cancer
o to detect abnormal cervical cells
o to diagnose ovarian cancer
o to prevent hpv

Explanation:

The passage states that the Pap smear tests for cervical cancer by collecting cells from the cervix. Doctors can identify abnormal cells, which makes it an important tool for early detection. It also mentions screening for HPV (which can lead to cervical cancer), but the main purpose related to the options is detecting abnormal cervical cells. Treating cervical cancer (a Pap smear is a screening/testing tool, not a treatment), diagnosing ovarian cancer (the test is for cervical cancer), and preventing HPV (it screens for HPV, not prevents it) are incorrect based on the passage.

Answer:

to detect abnormal cervical cells