smear test

Shovel_Lad

avogadro wrote: »

Thankfully the NHS provides treatment without judging who is morally deserving of it.

People who smoke can still expect treatment for emphysema and lung cancer. People who overeat can still expect to be treated for type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other illnesses caused or aggravated by carrying excess body weight. People who cross the road while texting and end up under a lorry can expect to be able to access medical help.


Alhough the risk of cervical cancer is considerably lessened by a reliable smear test, it is important to remember that no screening test is 100% reliable, and there are always pros and cons to screening. And if (as has been implied above) some women are failing to attend other medical appointments for fear of being arm-twisted to have a smear test, there is a danger they may end up dying quite unnecessarily of something else!

"Early detection and treatment can prevent around 75% of cancers developing but, like other screening tests, it is not perfect."


From here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/432625/cervicalscreening.pdf

VfM4meplse

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Not attending screenings etc is Darwinism in action, IMHO.

Cervical screening is a critical health protection measure.

Lets not pretend its a pleasant experience, though. Its far from it and presents a huge inequality between the sexes: men don't get interfered with in this way, after all.

Sometimes we ladies just have to take a deep breath, lie back and cough.

teddysmum

I know it's difficult for first timers, but the secret is to relax. If you relax, you hardly feel a thing.


I am over the age of regular tests and do feel rather vulnerable, but breast scanning (which I do find very uncomfortable ) goes on until you are 73 (odd age choice), I believe.

Angry_Bear

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Its far from it and presents a huge inequality between the sexes: men don't get interfered with in this way, after all.

What an odd point to try to make - women don't get prostate exams.

System

Angry_Bear wrote: »

What an odd point to try to make - women don't get prostate exams.

I believe GPs are offered financial incentives for women patients on their list attending for smears. I am not sure if the same applies for prostate examinations or mammograms.

Palindr0mic

My first appointment for one was supposed to be the day after my Grandma's funeral... needless to say I cancelled. I'm utterly terrified of going back to getting one. The idea of someone down there, anyone makes me feel sick. I literally cried when I got the letter at the thought of it. I'm sorry that makes many of you feel that I am stupid, maybe I am, I'm just scared.

Angry_Bear

avogadro wrote: »

I believe GPs are offered financial incentives for women patients on their list attending for smears. I am not sure if the same applies for prostate examinations or mammograms.

Huh, I didn't know that! Do you have any idea what the logic is behind it?

Timpu

Palindr0mic wrote: »

My first appointment for one was supposed to be the day after my Grandma's funeral... needless to say I cancelled. I'm utterly terrified of going back to getting one. The idea of someone down there, anyone makes me feel sick. I literally cried when I got the letter at the thought of it. I'm sorry that makes many of you feel that I am stupid, maybe I am, I'm just scared.

My condolences, you've had a lot to deal with.

Stupid??! Certainly not, a normal reaction to the unknown surely?

All I can say is my first smear was uncomfortable but not painful. I was reminded that it's not pleasant for you or the nurse but they see things day in and day out so aren't fussed in the least. Every step was explained which helped. I think the thing to remember is if at any step it's too much for you, you can ask the nurse to stop. You're in control.

Good luck in deciding.

System

Angry Bear I gather GPs are given "quality targets" that they want (or need) to meet.


Getting back to the subject of smears and fear tactics, there is some interesting information and opinions here in this blog I just happened across when researching GP incentives.
http://margaretmccartney.com/2013/02/05/women-cervical-smears-and-manipulation/#comment-269267
Interesting reading.

missbiggles1

In my youth you had smears a couple of times a year when you were prescribed the pill and I don't remember anybody I knew thinking anything about it. Given we're all supposed to be so much freer and less inhibited these days, I can't understand how many women seem to be bothered about it.