Delete thread please!

mazza111

There is no force to get it done. All health tests are optional. Although I'm pretty sure it would be wiser to get them done if you're sexually active.

I just can't help thinking of Jade Goody when a post like this comes up, and think how her life may have been saved if she had only gone for regular smears.

valk_scot

bumbledore wrote: »

I get a feeling most of you are in your 30s with children so are in a different position to the point I am making ie young childless women under 25.

I'm well past thirty but I do have a young teenage daughter. When she gets to the age that the first screening letter arrives I'll be urging her to take up the offer assuming of course she's sexually active by then. It's not my idea of a fun thing to do with a morning but really, it's no big deal in the end. My friend's description of her cone biopsy and subsequent cervical cancer treatment sounded several hundred times worse. She did survive her cancer btw, thanks to early diagnosis by smear test.

balletshoes

bumbledore wrote: »

This is ridiculous. Who knew questioning why smear tests to under 25's and the language used by doctors would make one out to be a "troll" or a "loon" (classy using a derogatory term for mental health problems as an insult, really makes you seem mature and credible).

Goodness it seems you can't have a reasonable discussion
.

a reasonable discussion about what? your interpretation of a NHS bulk letter/leaflet?

Its up to you whether you go or not - what part exactly of your letter has you thinking its compulsory?

hollydays

I had a very bad medical traumatic experience after childbirth and I have been petrified of having smear tests-it's a psychological thing, but I still force myself to have them. Even 25 years later I have to explain to the nurse and practice relaxation techniques, and each time they are fine, no problem. Nothing would stop me having them.

Bennifred

It seems bumbledore is not happy with the responses on here - same "vent" posted on discussion board now! It could be a long evening...........

Bella73

I love your rant about received letters but ignored them and then you are whining about the cost to the NHS. Very classy!

If you don't wish to go then don't but at least have the decent manners to contact them to decline thus saving the NHS money by not having to send further reminders!

Honestly I have to say your post has annoyed me which is rare on this forum.

I am wondering what the punishment is as apparently in your world they are compulsory??? What are you fined, sent to prison, shot??? Think you need to explain further.

Smears tests have never in Scotland, England or Wales ever been compulsory. Just strongly recommended. If you don't understand the letter and leaflet you should contact your Surgery and speak to the nurse for a full explanation.

Bearing in mind this simple test is designed to save your life if anything is found.

Skintski

mazza111 wrote: »

I just can't help thinking of Jade Goody when a post like this comes up, and think how her life may have been saved if she had only gone for regular smears.

It was Jade Goody's death that made me go for my first smear test at the age of about 27. I'd ignored the letters for years and seeing someone my age die brought home just how important they are.

I would encourage any woman to have the test, it takes seconds and it might just save your life.

coolcait

bumbledore wrote: »

I have had a few letter ordering me to book a screening, all ignored. I did not appreciate how the letter did not make me aware that such a screening was optional and feel that for the health service to treat Women in such a way is a disgrace.

If you can misread, misunderstand and misrepresent the letters to that extent, I have little faith in your understanding or representation of other issues.

I disagree with you.

meritaten

It was during a cervical smear test the nurse found a lesion on the neck of my cervix. it was an ulcer and it was treated very successfully in day surgery. it was then that a more in depth history was taken and I was later diagnosed with endometriosis..............after thirty odd years my pain and weird periods were taken seriously! I had a thermal ablation (less said bout that the better), but, I thank the NHS and that nurse who referred me on to gynocology - I have been period and pain free for the last 11 - 12 years and its been bliss not having to worry about periods or the pain and sheer wilful misunderstanding of doctors who never took my complaints seriously.
I don't care if the smears only 'save' one woman in a thousand from cervical cancer - how many more women are 'saved' from pain and suffering because the nurse spots something abnormal?
I would say 'No matter what your age go along for a smear because it may just prevent a lot of pain and could pick up on something totally unrelated to cancer, but, not usually picked up on by GPs.'

TeamLowe

If what you're saying is true- it only saves one life per thousand, then I'm still happy to have it done. Heck, even if it's one life in a million I'd still want it because that one life that could be saved could be mine and I'm quite attached to it thank you.

I also want to protect my childbearing opportunities, so I'd say it's even more important for childless ladies as a hysterectomy would be more devastating for them, not that it's ever a nice thing

I'd disagree with it being invasive- invasive to me is cutting holes.