Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22-28 January 2012

fannyanna

euronorris wrote: »

But, I am wondering if I should ask the doc about doing it a bit earlier than scheduled as my eldest sister has just undergone treatment for abnormal cells that they found in her most recent smear.

I'm not suggesting that you don't have it done but just wanted to reassure you that it's not a case that you're likely to have problems because your sister has.

After my problems my sister had her smear and she was all fine.

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

caeler

alwaysbrassic wrote: »

When my daughter is older, I shall arm her with the facts and allow her to feel comfortable enough about her body that she can go for any such tests without embarrassment, as time and time again it has been shown to be a life saver, although hopefully by this time the number of people suffering will be dramatically reduced.

What a wonderful sentiment. Nobody in my family knew anything about this and the women only knew they were supposed to go to regular smears because they were told to. Knowing why is a precious gift.

caeler

euronorris wrote: »

But, I am wondering if I should ask the doc about doing it a bit earlier than scheduled as my eldest sister has just undergone treatment for abnormal cells that they found in her most recent smear.

I think you should ask. They say Cervical Cancer isn't hereditary but if it puts your mind at rest then it is a small price to pay to go a little bit early.

j.e.j.

It's an emotive subject.

I am not undermining the benefits of regular screening at all, but to put a slightly different perspective on it: For many years I put off going to the doctors about a different issue because I was afraid of being harassed about a smear test.

No doctor will tell you this, but not every woman actually needs a smear. The virus that causes cervical cancer is sexually transmitted, so in many cases women would do well to have the test done well before the age of 25, (eg if someone has been having sexual relationships since their mid-teens) while others may not need it at all.

It is an intrusive test and while it's great that the test is OFFERED, I do start to feel angry when it gets pushed on women, which unfortunately it often seems to be. You should go for the test because you want to take a positive step towards your health, and NOT because someone is arm-twisting you into doing so.

hope this makes sense!

spicyprawn

claire16c wrote: »

If anything - it wont likely be because of spotting it will be the lube stuff they put on the speculum!

:rotfl: hate that! I have before wadded their paper towels into my knickers:rotfl:

jediquigley

have posted this on my facebook page, as obviously very important

nickyhutch

j.e.j. wrote: »

It is an intrusive test and while it's great that the test is OFFERED, I do start to feel angry when it gets pushed on women, which unfortunately it often seems to be. You should go for the test because you want to take a positive step towards your health, and NOT because someone is arm-twisting you into doing so.

But you'd be happy to have the intrusive (and expensive) treatment needed if you developed cervical cancer because you didn't have the screening?

langold

i have my first smear on monday im really scaed but cant be as scary as getting cancer

j.e.j.

@langold, - don't worry, you'll be fine. If it's taken by someone experienced it doesn't take long.

@nickyhutch I am absolutely not against screening. In fact I'd even suggest (for women who need a smear): go private and get a smear backed up with HPV test. But I am against women being frightened/intimidated into having the test done. Each person must have the right to make their own decision.

nickyhutch

j.e.j. wrote: »

@nickyhutch I am absolutely not against screening. In fact I'd even suggest (for women who need a smear): go private and get a smear backed up with HPV test. But I am against women being frightened/intimidated into having the test done. Each person must have the right to make their own decision.

And if they make the decision not to be screened then go on to develop cervical cancer, does the NHS have the right to make the decision not to treat as it could have been caught earlier and treated for far less?