Cervical cancer remains one of the few cancers that can be detected early and even prevented with timely screening. During my recent visit to Thane, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Aditi Godbole, who is known among local women for her systematic and patient-centred approach to cervical screening. My conversation with her, coupled with observations from her clinic environment, offered a clearer picture of how the pap smear test in Thane is administered and interpreted in real-world conditions.
A Closer Look at Dr. Aditi Godbole’s Background
Dr. Aditi Godbole has trained extensively in obstetrics and gynaecology, building over 17 years of clinical experience in women’s reproductive health. Her academic path includes an MBBS from Government Medical College, Aurangabad, followed by a DNB in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
While reviewing her credentials, what stood out to me was her consistent effort to stay aligned with evolving screening guidelines. She attends periodic workshops, updates her clinic protocols as recommendations change, and emphasises clear communication with patients who may be confronting screening-related anxiety for the first time.
Inside Her Clinic Setup in Thane
The Jeevan Doctor’s Planet is structured to prioritise privacy — essential for any gynaecological examination. Consulting rooms are clean, organised, and equipped with standard tools required for a pap smear.
The environment may appear simple, but what makes it effective is the structured flow: registration, short assessment, the procedure itself, and a follow-up explanation. In a field where misunderstandings are common, this structured approach fosters clarity and trust.
Understanding How the Pap Smear Test Works
During our conversation, Dr. Aditi Godbole walked me through the entire procedure, emphasising that the pap smear is more of a screening tool than a diagnostic test.
Here’s what the procedure generally involves:
- Speculum insertion to visualise the cervix.
- Collection of cervical cells using a small brush or spatula.
- Sample preservation and laboratory cytology evaluation.
- Report interpretation, which may range from normal to inflammatory, atypical, or pre-cancerous findings.
She noted that many women fear the procedure, but discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. The bigger challenge, in her experience, is encouraging women to return for regular screening every 3 years or as advised depending on age, sexual history, and associated risk factors.
How She Compares to Other Indian and International Experts
To provide context, I compared her approach with two other doctors — one Indian and one international — who deal with similar screenings.
Indian Reference: Dr. Neerja Bhatla (AIIMS Delhi)
Dr. Bhatla is widely recognised for her work on cervical cancer prevention in India. She advocates the integration of HPV DNA testing in national screening programmes. Compared to Dr. Godbole’s community-level work, Dr. Bhatla’s efforts influence national policy and large-scale implementation.
International Reference: Prof. Jack Cuzick (UK)
Prof. Cuzick’s research has shaped global guidelines, influencing the shift from cytology-based screening toward HPV-based screening. While his recommendations emphasise molecular testing, clinicians like Dr. Godbole continue to serve regions where pap smears remain a more accessible first-line tool.
The comparison highlights an important truth: cervical screening exists on a spectrum — from advanced molecular tools in large systems to accessible cytology tests in local clinics. Each plays a critical role depending on context.
Pros and Cons of Pap Smear Screening
Pros
- Early detection of pre-cancerous changes.
- Affordable and widely available in most Indian cities, including Thane.
- Minimal recovery time, allowing women to resume routine activities quickly.
- Decades of research support its efficacy.
Cons
- Lower sensitivity compared to HPV testing.
- Possible false-negative results, requiring periodic repeat tests.
- Discomfort or anxiety for women undergoing the procedure for the first time.
- Dependent on laboratory expertise, which varies across centres.
Cost Comparison: Mumbai vs. International Locations
When discussing affordability, Dr. Godbole emphasised that cost should never deter women from screening.
Here is a general comparison:
In Mumbai / Thane
- Standard Pap Smear: ₹600–₹1,000
- HPV + Pap Co-testing: ₹2,500–₹4,000 (depending on lab)
Internationally
- United States: USD $100–$250
- UK (Private Clinics): £50–£100
- Australia: AUD $50–$150 (Medicare covers part of it)
While charges abroad vary due to insurance and healthcare models, screenings in India remain comparatively more affordable.
Precautions and Aftercare: What Doctors Commonly Suggest
Combining the advice from Dr. Aditi Godbole with inputs from other clinicians, here are key guidelines patients should remember:
- Avoid scheduling the test during menstruation.
- Refrain from intercourse, tampons, or vaginal creams 24–48 hours before the test.
- Light spotting after the procedure is normal.
- Seek medical advice if bleeding or pain persists.
- Follow the recommended interval for repeat screening.
- Promptly attend follow-up appointments if results show abnormalities.
These aren’t just procedural instructions—they form the backbone of preventive healthcare.
A Closing Thought
Women often place their health last on the priority list, especially when symptoms are absent. My visit to Thane reinforced the fact that early detection is not a luxury; it is an essential form of self-care. The pap smear test in Thane, as practiced by clinicians like Dr. Aditi Godbole, offers women a chance to stay informed, prepared, and protected.
If you have never undergone screening, this might be the moment to pause and reflect. Consult a trusted gynaecologist in your locality, or consider specialists within accessible medical hubs such as Jeevan Doctor’s Planet.
An informed decision today may protect your tomorrow.
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