Delete thread please!

Flower08

Flower08 wrote: »

" 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 is what the leaflet says!!

Amanda65

I do wonder why someone would join a money saving forum to discuss the validity of smear tests in Scotland for the under 25'???

pigpen

avogadro wrote: »

Do we know for sure that she did not attend for smears? She probably had enough money to get private health checks and treatment. I think Jade was very unlucky. She had a particularly aggressive fast-growing cancer.

Her death still left 2 little boys without a mother.. that should be enough incentive for anyone.

I believe she said she hadn't gone for them which was why she was urging women to get them done (and was hers not the HPV one which can be vaccinated against too now? I thought that was why she was backing the vaccine so heartily)

Either way.. to lose a daughter or mum like that to something so preventable is a devastating loss.

Valli

From Jade Goody's Wikipedia page.-

Cervical cancer awareness

A spokeswoman from Cancer Research UK commented on Goody's legacy[124] on the day of her funeral:
“ Jade's story has raised awareness of cervical cancer which has led to hundreds of thousands of people contacting Cancer Research UK for information on the disease as the number of hits to our website, CancerHelp.org shows. Her legacy will be to help save lives. ” In October 2009, it was reported that the number of women aged between 25 and 64 going for smear tests in the United Kingdom had grown by 12% during the previous year, the increase comes after the figures declining year on year since 2002. This increase has been credited to Goody's high profile battle with cervical cancer. Thomas Moore, the health correspondent for Sky News said:[125]
“ This is a tremendous fillip for the NHS screening programme. Jade Goody had a particular impact on the women the NHS struggles to reach – the young and the less well educated. The challenge for public health doctors now is to ensure that this rise is sustained, so that Jade has a long-lasting legacy." ” In addition to this, Health Secretary Andy Burnham commented:[125]
“ "Jade's bravery and openness in her fight against cervical cancer has brought home to young women across the country the importance of regularly going for these checks." ” For raising cancer awareness, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:[126]
“ "Her family can be extremely proud of the work she has done to raise awareness of cervical cancer which will benefit thousands of women across the UK."

sweaty_betty

I don't like being told what to do and, as a smear test is a bit more sensitive than an injection (for example), I can understand a little if this is the OP's point. I have friends who are really defensive about being "railroaded" into going for a smear test. The thought of it is probably more unsettling than the reality if you've not had it before.

However, while I understand why the OP may feel this way, I would urge her to take it if offered. I had my first routine smear at 20, which showed "abnormalities", subsequent smears 6 and 12 months later showed similar and I had to have colposcopies etc to investigate further. I don't find smears or the colposcopies to be particularly pleasant (but saying that I'm a wuss when it comes to needles too!) but the alternative is worse.

I agree with the poster(s) who say that smears should be offered as soon as you become sexually active, but I guess that's difficult to apply as it's so individual. Perhaps the reason and need for tests like this should be built into sex education lessons, to encourage / empower people to take responsibility for their own health?

Just purely out of interest, does anyone know if the vaccination is offered to older women as well as school girls? I'd be interested to know why not if it isn't as I'd jump at the chance to have it.

Valli

sweaty_betty wrote: »

Just purely out of interest, does anyone know if the vaccination is offered to older women as well as school girls? I'd be interested to know why not if it isn't as I'd jump at the chance to have it.

The HPV vaccination needs to be given prior to the onset of sexual intercourse.

Valli

bumbledore wrote: »

Please don't patronise me. Maybe your health board is more clear but mine essentially says you are due a screening make one nothing about if you do not wish one.

So if you don't make an appointment no appointment is made.

Simples!

sweaty_betty

Thanks both, that would make sense

Flower08

bumbledore wrote: »

Jade was an exceptional case, her refusing tests whilst already aware she was at risk wasn't postitive. I am questioning why women in Scotland are asked for smears from the age of 20 when the average person of that age is at low risk whilst the rest of the UK doesn't start until 25

I thought you started the thread because you didnt like the way you were being 'forced' to have a smear test done :think:

Quasar

bumbledore wrote: »

Jade was an exceptional case, her refusing tests whilst already aware she was at risk wasn't postitive. I am questioning why women in Scotland are asked for smears from the age of 20 when the average person of that age is at low risk whilst the rest of the UK doesn't start until 25

Different countries (as England and Scotland are for the purposes of this discussion), don't have to have the same guidelines and recommendations. Scotlands has its guidelines, England has its own. In either case there is no question of compulsory attendance.