So I’ve always been very compliant with anything medical but after a number of really bad experiences (most NHS but some private) I’m now more sceptical.
I’ve been invited for my latest smear test, and inspired by another current thread on women’s health, I wanted to ask IABU if I don’t go?
I know for some people smears can be painful and even traumatic. I’ve been lucky not to have been in that situation. However, I am concerned about the downsides-mainly, the risk of false positives. Basically where something “abnormal” is treated but where it wouldn’t have actually caused harm. I think these are a recognised downside for preventative screening programmes, but I don’t know what the risk is for smears and breast screening. I’m not in an at risk group so far as I know. If I noticed a problem I would definitely get it checked out but just want to take a risk-based approach.