A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a cervical cancer screening diagnosis. A Pap smear is a process that collects cells from your cervix, which is the lower, thin end of your uterus that sits at the head of your vaginal canal. Cervical cancer may be detected early with a Pap smear, giving you a better chance of a cure. A Pap smear may also identify alterations in your cervical cells that indicate potential cancer development. Detecting abnormal cells early with a Pap screen is the first step in preventing cervical cancer from developing.