How the smear test was invented

Witness History

BBC

History, Personal Journals, Society & Culture

4.4 • 1.6K Ratings

🗓️ 7 July 2022

⏱️ 10 minutes

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Summary

In 1928 Dr George Papanicoloau, a Greek immigrant living in New York, discovered he could detect pre-cancerous cell changes in the cervix. This led to the development of the smear test which has meant millions of women worldwide have not had to face cancer. Dr Papanicoloau's great niece Olga Stamatiou speaks to Laura Jones. (Image shows Dr Papanicoloau examining a slide in a laboratory. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcript

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0:00.0	On the podium season 2 is available now.
0:02.8	Like many people in this world I have never seen an Olympic medal before.
0:07.2	Bringing you more remarkable stories of Olympic and Paralympic athletes
0:11.8	and their incredible journeys to the podium.
0:14.4	This is my dream and it's came through that day.
0:17.0	Find out more at the end of this podcast.
0:24.7	Hello and thank you for downloading the witness history podcast from the BBC World Service.
0:29.8	With me Laura Jones.
0:31.6	I'm taking you back to 1928 and the discovery which led to the smear test
0:36.8	which has stopped millions of women worldwide developing cancer.
0:41.0	The greatest contribution of the century to the health of the American woman.
0:47.2	Yes to women around the world and indeed represents the most significant
0:53.0	practically useful discovery in the great field of cancer of our time.
0:59.4	Dr George Paparniclou was being honored at a special meeting of the General
1:03.3	Federation of Women's Clubs in the United States in 1957 during that speech.
1:08.4	So how did Dr Paparniclou develop the smear test?
1:12.0	As someone who's had treatment to prevent cervical cancer as a result of his discovery,
1:17.1	I was keen to find out the story behind it.
1:20.0	And as we'll hear it wasn't accepted to begin with.
1:23.4	Originally from the Greek island of Avia, Dr Paparniclou had a varied early career.
1:30.6	He became a surgeon gaining experience in the military.
1:33.9	He also trained in zoology in Germany and went on a marine research expedition with Prince Albert
	...

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