Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22-28 January 2012

ziggles50

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.

I have to agree with this- HPV has not been made to look as scary as maybe syphilis or HIV. Although i do think there is generally plenty of information on STI's available. It's just that people don't think they are at risk for a variety of reasons- 'at my age', 'he's not a minger', 'only druggies get that', 'she's educated' etc. The ignorance is beyond belief. There are still people who think they can catch AIDS from sharing a toilet!!!

euronorris

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 suppose you could say something like 'No thank you. I have good, very valid reasons not to do this, but I am not willing to go into the details. I would very much appreciate it if you could note this on your records, and stop asking me, because the pressure and questions about this test are keeping me from visiting you about other health issues.'.

But, I suspect you've already done that. It's a shame that this has led you to not even register with a GP this time. Have you thought about perhaps writing a short note, asking if the GP would be willing to accept this from you, and take you on as a patient, before you sign up? That way, you wouldn't have revealed the reasons, or registered before having the agreement in place.

Lastly, I'm very sorry you've had to experience such things at all ((HUGS)).

Hovel_lady

caeler wrote: »

Nicky I think you make a good point and I suspect it would have been me making the same point but I was worried I'd come across as too emotional.

I think personal choice is actually body choice, no women should ever be made to feel intimidated or pressured about anything however I don't think smears should be optional. But the medical profession need to think about their behaviour and approach and not use scare tactics. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week for me is about sharing better information so women can look after their bodies and health and be in control.

There is some really good information available here: http://www.jostrust.org.uk/links/Downloads-to-download/Factsheet_Cervical_Screening.pdf

A plea from me to who is ever reading, please don't opt out of a smear test because you are scared.

"no women should ever be made to feel intimidated or pressured about anything"
"I don't think smears should be optional"

Just wondering how this would work??

caeler

Hovel_lady wrote: »

"no women should ever be made to feel intimidated or pressured about anything"
"I don't think smears should be optional"

Just wondering how this would work??

I'm afraid I don't have the answer. I suppose I just don't want women having to go through being diagnosed with cervical cancer if there are proactive things that we can do to prevent it.

Also a little note from me, I can see this thread has taken a few different turns and I really appreciate everybody being so open with their opinions and not letting this turn nasty. We must all respect different views but we may not necessarily reach a consensus.

Thank you fellow MSE's!

mummyplus3

I can see both sides to this, I was repeatedly raped as a teenager and have been through two horrific birthing experiences, one as a direct result of the rapes.

Having any kind of internal examination makes me feel ill for weeks beforehand, but it doesnt hurt and it is really important. No matter what has happened "down there" in the past, It isnt going to happen on the doctors table, and why should I allow terrible horrible things that happened in the past potentially hand me a death sentence in the future? at that point I would have no-one to blame but myself.

Not really aiming this at anyone just musing...

I am currently going through a "CC Scare" of sorts and its taken me months to pluck up the courage to see the doctor with my symptoms and the wait is horrendous! But the exam was over in less than 2 minutes and didnt hurt at all.

Scars remind us where we have been, they don't have to dictate where we are going...

No-one should be forced into a smear, but I see no reason why anyone would refuse to have one personally.

alwaysbrassic

I can see why people don't want to have the test done (privacy), but I for one am glad that medical science has advanced so much that we have this option available to us.

I don't feel pressured, I feel relieved that this lifesaving test, and any necessary treatment is available to me.

If there was a cervical cancer epidemic and nothing was being done, i'm sure the arguments would be much more heated.........

ziggles50

I got my results back fro December smear - no changes that require further examination. Yup- great- only the nurse ran out to get a doctor during the smear and he declined. Now it's all ok. have to go back in 6 months though...All that worryand they say it's nothing. I don't think this is the last of it at all. Wierdly even more concerned than if they said something was found!

Stephb1986_2

I turned 25 in August since then I've had a weekly letter from my doctors about a smear test, I don't think it's the actual procedure that's putting me off going or another woman seeing my bits she has one too, I think it's more the fear of if there is something wrong and I know it's stupid to keep putting it off like it but I have enough to deal with at the moment without worrying about something like that. But I think I will ring my doctors this week and book a smear test I don't want to end up like jade goody.

Steph xx

caeler

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everybody who has supported the cause and increased awareness of cervical cancer. I suppose I should come clean and admit that last month I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and a smear test has saved my life. [In my experience] my smear picked up pre-cancerous changes and also a small focus of stage 1 cancer. I've been on a scary journey which isn't over yet but I am receiving excellent treatment and support from the NHS and from my friends and family and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. I am greatful that we are speaking about this 'taboo' topic and increased awareness has to be a positive achievement. Thank you again.

Torry_Quine

Ironically I got my reminder letter in this week so will make my appointment next week. I've had smears every 3 years since I was 25 when I became sexually active (I got married!). They are done here from 20 - 60 and just wondered if those areas where they don't start till age 25 also go on longer?