Published Mar 17, 2021

Remember When Comedian Kathy Griffin Got a Pap Smear on TV? Did This Impact Cervical Cancer Screenings?

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Kathy Griffin's Public Pap Smear

In 2010, comedian Kathy Griffin, 60, got a pap smear on TV in order to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings.
During a pap smear, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer.
Pap smears are the most effective tools in detecting cervical cancer. Symptoms of the disease often don’t present themselves until later stages, so early detection is key.

In 2010, comedian Kathy Griffin, 60, raised awareness for cancer screenings in an unconventional way when she decided to go through a pap smear on TV. The controversial public figure sent a strong message for those who may be at risk of cervical cancer, but did it actually have an impact?

While filming an episode of her former TV show My Life on the D-List, Griffin received a pool-side pap smear while donning a blue bikini in order to raise awareness for women. Pap smears are the best screening tools when it comes to detecting certain types of cancers, particularly cervical cancer. So, while Griffin may have taken the unconventional route to send a message, it was certainly for a good purpose. During an interview with E! Griffin said that she decided to raise awareness after speaking to a few of her close friends, who told her that they regularly forgot to schedule screening appointments. Clearly Griffin wasn’t having any of that, and decided to take a stand to show how important they are.

“I started talking to girlfriends of mine, my age and younger, and I just can’t believe how many women are afraid to get a Pap smear or they forget or they’ve gone 10 years without doing one,” Griffin told E! in 2010. “The message is, if you see me doing something so outrageous-some may say repulsive-that should make it easier for you to pick up the phone and call your doctor and go get one in the privacy of your own doctor’s office.”

Although it’s unclear whether Griffin’s public display had a direct effect on women scheduling their pap smears, it certainly did make an important point. A lot of people may be nervous about going through the screening, but Griffin showed that it can be a life-saving resource, and nothing to be scared of.

The Importance of Pap Smears

Pap smears are especially effective at detecting cervical cancer early. During the test, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer. This can be life-saving, especially since symptoms of cervical cancer often don't show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4. By catching signs of the disease early, this not only leads to more treatment options but also increases survival rates.

One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV) one of the most common viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact. HPV is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer, and there are usually no early signs or symptoms of the disease. However, cervical cancer can be detected through regular check-ups, such as pap smears.

More than 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, but other cancers are also linked to the virus, such as throat cancer. Luckily, the HPV vaccine can help prevent 90% of those cancers. Typically, the vaccine will be given to children before they are sexually active, because HPV is transmitted through sexual contact.

Ex-NYPD cop and cervical cancer survivor, Patti Murillo Casa, advocates for other women to be vigilant

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