Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22-28 January 2012

Person_one

Abb1e wrote: »

Yes, completely anonymously using a made up name.

Telling a doctor would be anonymous too, they have to keep your information confidential. You don't have to tell the receptionist, you can speak directly to a doctor you feel comfortable with.

Abb1e

Person_one wrote: »

Telling a doctor would be anonymous too, they have to keep your information confidential. You don't have to tell the receptionist, you can speak directly to a doctor you feel comfortable with.

Not wanting to tell anyone why I don't want the test means NOT WANTING TO TELL ANYONE including random GP's at my local clinic.
It's not about them keeping information confidential. It's about me not wanting to give them the information in the first place.

You just don't get it do you?

Person_one

Abb1e wrote: »

Not wanting to tell anyone why I don't want the test means NOT WANTING TO TELL ANYONE including random GP's at my local clinic.
It's not about them keeping information confidential. It's about me not wanting to give them the information in the first place.

You just don't get it do you?

I hope that you can find some help or some other way to solve this problem that's been causing you stress for 19 years, sorry for trying to help.

Abb1e

Person_one wrote: »

I hope that you can find some help or some other way to solve this problem that's been causing you stress for 19 years, sorry for trying to help.

It's only a problem because of other people.
I have absolutely no problem with not having a smear test.

j.e.j.

Abb1e, just for info, if you put it in writing to your GP/screening dept that you wish to be removed from the list, they will do so. You may have to sign a disclaimer (which is fair enough).

fannyanna

Abb1e wrote: »

It's only a problem because of other people.
I have absolutely no problem with not having a smear test.

I can completely understand where you're coming from. it's easy to hide behind a computer screen and tell strangers something but telling someone something face to face even if they are a stranger is a whole other matter. I can understand why you would not want to have this conversation with your gp.

j.e.j.

claire16c wrote: »

What exactly do you mean by pressure j.e.j?

Most doctors as far as Im aware, send out 3-4 letters and then if the woman doesnt respond they stop sending the letters. And if you go for an appt about something related like the pill, then theyd remind you then too.

I dont think thats being highly pressurised.

I don't really want to go into the tactics they sometimes use, because the point of this thread is to raise awareness rather than debate the way female patients often get treated.

I hope this thread helps people to gain information and decide for themselves. There are a small but significant number of people for whom the test is not appropriate. That's not to say there aren't many, many women who would benefit from the test if they were to have it done. My bottom line (no pun intended) is:

Just step back from the scare-mongering, the pressuring (often from other women), and the brain-washing and make your own decision.

Abbie you do not have to justify your decision to any of us here.

euronorris

fannyanna wrote: »

But as I'm sure you're thinking - it's better to be safe than sorry x

Exactly that. I'd rather be seen as over-cautious, than miss it being detected, IYSWIM.

j.e.j.

Shovel_Lad wrote: »

Pardon me for butting in, as a bloke some of the discussion here is above me so I can't comment on the relative merits of the smear tests, but as far as I remember, the GP service is a service I didn't think we had reached the stage where people no longer had the freedom to refuse treatment without being forced to give a reason.

I would imagine that during the 19 years Abb1e says she has been pressurised by her GPs she has tried all sorts of ways to say no, I know I would have, and would feel I was being strongarmed into say yes too when they carried on ignoring me. I doubt you could tell her anything new to do to change this.

What I do know is that the Cancer Screening program is an automated system these days, reminders are sent out by computer and if they are not followed up by the patient, a note is sent to the relevant GP. The GP is incentivised to have as many women screened as they can (aka "paid" - yes it might have something to do with health, but it is also to do with money) Would anyone be surprised if this opportunity for a few more £'s overrode the patients' desire not to be nagged in the eyes of NHS managers?

What is the next step? Having to explain to the doctor why I don't want a flu jab because I'm afraid of needles, only to be told not to be a big baby and being told how many people die of flu? Competent adults should be allowed to decide their own healthcare and not have to explain their decisions.

:T
I couldn't agree more.

I wish all the best to everyone , whatever you decide.

and at least this discussion is bumping caeler's thread, lol

euronorris

caeler wrote: »

Another thing that I don't think there is enough information is HPV and sexually transmitted diseases in general and truly understanding the role a condom can play even in a committed relationship.

People also need to understand that STD's can be passed onto you by your mother during birth (such as HPV), and others from either parent on conception.

So, at the very least, sexually inactive women would do well to have a HPV test to be completely sure that they are not at risk.