Delete thread please!

Quasar

geri1965 wrote: »

A woman in Bristol died from cervical cancer recently as she was too young for a routine test and they refused to give her one when asked.

I loathe smear tests - I find them utterly repugnant, but I'm pretty sure the treatment for cancer would be worse.

As a result of endometrial cancer and subsequent hysterectomy where the cervix was also taken out, I have to attend the oncologist regularly and she shoves the speculum up there to check the vaginal vault (where the cervix used to connect), is free of trouble.

There is absolutely nothing to it and a smear test is not much different. I'm thankful I have the possibility to be so well looked after.

Now, endometrial cancer has BETTER survival rates, statistically, than cervical cancer.

My advice to the OP is to take advantage of this screening facility and not resent it being offered. There are women around the world who don't ever have this chance.

time2deal

Honestly, if you don't want to do it, then skip it.

I am bemused by people who complain about lifesaving treatments being too much of a hassle. Cervical cancer is still a massive killer in parts of the world, but in the western world we have the ability to almost defeat a cancer for almost the first time. Sure - skip it - how dare they try to help you help yourself!

I presume you also skip the vaccination?

I had a smear last year, I had cancer, and thankfully after 3 operations I am cancer free, and thank the NHS gratefully every single day for finding it early. 6 more months and it would have been a totally different story.

JoW123

bumbledore wrote: »

Well not really seeing as the Scottish government will be raising the age of screening to 25 in 2015.

I have looked at the evidence and don't see the validity in mass screenings at age 20 onwards, and don't appreciate how the Nhs makes out that such a screening is compulsory and that you must comply so they can make there screening targets

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.

My work colleagues daughter died at 22 from cervical cancer which was not diagnosed until she collapsed with pain and was admitted to A and E. Despite aggressive chemo and radiotherapy she could not be saved. She too was young and childless.

I am sorry that you feel so aggrieved at being offered a screening programme that could save your life but on second thoughts I will save my sympathy for my colleague whose life had been devastated by the loss of her daughter who I am sure would love to be in your shoes

mountainofdebt

bumbledore wrote: »

Just want a vent. In Scotland cervical screening starts at age 20, unlike England's age of 25 despite evidence showing that the risk to young woman like myself of having cancerous cells is low.

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. How such an invasive procedure is meant to be tolerated without question and decent information provided.

Mass cervical screenings have not produced positive results where over one thousand woman would have to be screened over the period of thirty-five years in order to prevent one death.

Does anyone else share such opinions about the smear test programme or is this still a controversial opinion?

Well speaking as someone who has had few results come back over the years which has meant further treatment being needed I fully appreciate being recalled for smears at whatever interval people with far superior knowledge sees fit.

Go, don't go its your choice.

Just don't regret it like Jade Goody

Gingernutty

This fruit loop has posted exactly the same in the DT forum too. And is getting even shorter shrift there.

Cervical cancer can be a killer. Cervical cancer is preventable. Cervical cancer has one of the best success rates if caught early. Screening can catch precancerous cells let alone cancerous ones.

What have you got against the prevention of cancer?

Valli

bumbledore wrote: »

You are entitled to your opinion but all of the letter sent out have not made out such a screening is optional, only a small paragraph in the provided leaflet does. I don't think young women under 25 should be treated in such a manner.

And it doesn't say it's compulsory, either.

Waits for OP to swoon:p

Gingernutty

Age is not the issue. Any woman who is sexually active should be having smear tests.

Valli

bumbledore wrote: »

The point is that such a screening for under 25s is not a life saver. Yes there will be a few cases where women under 25 are at extreme risk or contract cervical cancer and in places where the screening age is higher they should be offered the cervicsl screening but why is it justified only in Scotland to have screening from 20 years, whilst the rest of the UK is 25

All the PCTs have different criteria for different things, depending on how they allocate their budget. Maybe research has shown that a higher percentage of young Scottish women are sexually active at an earlier age, or tend to have multiple partners, or the incidence of HPV (and other risk factors) is higher in that population. Hence the (historical) decision to start screening earlier.
But, perhaps the innoculation that can now be given has made them decide to move the age upwards in the future.

Asking questions like this on these fora is actually not appropriate; it appears you have specific questions relating to screening, why it's done and at what age, you would be better off researching this on medical sites rather than asking for opinions from the general population.

Flower08

bumbledore wrote: »

You are entitled to your opinion but all of the letter sent out have not made out such a screening is optional, only a small paragraph in the provided leaflet does. I don't think young women under 25 should be treated in such a manner.

And what does that small paragraph say?

" If you have not been for a cervical screening test before, this leaflet provides information to help you decide if you need a test and what to expect if you go"

That really doesnt suggest to me that it is compulsory. Anyway you have to give consent for any medical procedure so of course its optional!

I have recently received my first letter for screening and it certainly doesnt make me feel like they are going to drag me in there kicking and screaming. If I want one then I just have to ring me doctors. I am pregnant at the minute, but as soon as I am allowed after birth I will be going for mine.

Calien27

Skintski wrote: »

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.

Similar thing here!

I ignored the letters for a year, I got one last text from my doctor's surgery telling me if I didn't want it done could I inform them and they would take my name off of the list.

Then I remembered Jade and how awful her last months/weeks were and that she was only a year or two older than me. That was enough, I phoned up the surgery and booked my appt for my first smear.

Honestly it wasn't what I imagined it to be, very quick and only a slight twinge when it was being done but I'm so glad I had it done, and will make sure I go for them every time it is needed!