I’ve never had a smear test and I don’t want one either

& how does this test look at the cells which is what happens in normal smear test?

From google

A smear test (
cervical screening) checks the cervix for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer, aiming to prevent cancer by catching issues early, not diagnosing existing cancer. It involves collecting cells from the cervix to test for the virus; if HPV is found, the cells are checked for abnormalities that the virus can cause, allowing for early treatment.

Not sure you feeling your cervix is in anyway shape or form indicative of cervical cancer on a cellular level.

A simple mammogram saved my life. Just celebrated 4 yrs cancer free or as it is now known NED. Cancer and the treatment is much scarier and painful than a cervical exam or mammogram.

Whoever that was who is also refusing mammograms is bonkers. A tiny lump you cant feel can go to Stage 4 cancer incredibly quickly. Then you're in deep do do.

So much misinformation on this thread.
A smear test does NOT test for cancer. It tests for HPV. You don't need a smear to test for HPV. You need a box containing a HPV test available from all good chemists.
And GPs are paid a bonus for doing smear tests just as they are for doing diabetic foot checks, learning disability health checks, over 50s health checks etc.
It's simply not true to say NN would have died if they hadn't had a smear test and so we all need to have a smear test. Back in the day a smear was the only way of diagnosing. Now an invasive procedure is not needed for the vast majority of women.
And yes the NHS is well behind the game on smear tests. And soon they will not be routinely offered. They are a huge waste of resources when other cheaper, less invasive methods are available.

You poor thing.

What are the alternatives please ?

Which is worse.. having an ‘invasive’ screening or getting cancer

hmmmmm let me think

Are you seriously suggesting that cancer screenings offered free on the nhs are purely to make money?!

Now I’ve heard it all

YABU it could save your life 🤷‍♀️

Because it's a societal medical system. Two things can be true. To think you can't and shouldn't force this. To rightly judge behaviour that is objectively had for society.

As I understood it, the OP was asking why these screenings are pushed when others aren't even offered. And it's a valid question.

I disagree. I think there's a lot to say, especially as OP is asking very fair questions about why these fairly invasive screenings (which involve having either a plastic instrument pushed into your vagina or your breast clamped in a vice!) are pushed relentlessly, while others are seemingly ignored.

OP, yes, I suspect your theory is correct that money is at the root of this relentless push - either to make it or to save it! Pretty sure GP surgeries etc receive funds for how many smears and mammograms they perform. Fair enough, I guess, but they should probably be more transparent about it.

I haven't had one in a decade.

It is your body, your choice. I’ve had abnormal smear results and further investigation & treatment wirhout which I might not be here now. But absolutely your choice.

"But I have done my research........."

Fine, do whatever suits you.

Why the thread, since you have already made your mind up

So sorry about some of the unkind comments about this, but also lots of good advice, & I agree that you have the choice whether or not to have the test.

I spoke to a lovely nurse at my GP surgery (although I was seeing her for as something completely unrelated) as I am also reluctant to have another one, different reasons from yours (long story short, I had a bad experience once with one previously) - she was so understanding - she gave me a plastic version of the instrument they use (sorry, the name of it has escaped me), plus lube gel, so that I could practice at home. And she will be the one to do it, once I get the confidence to go ahead & have it done.
But please don't opt out altogether, you can ignore the reminders for now, & you may change your mind in the future.🌹

You totally have the right to reject this testing for yourself.

Let's hope to god that you aren't one of the people who are susceptible to this cancer. And this is a risk that you can't assess with any real accuracy going on just your family history. Like lots of diseases, cancer is multi-factorial, with many factors play a role – diet, exercise, stress, sleep, hormone balance, being overweight, environmental pollutants, longer term use of oral contraceptives, three or more full-term pregnancies, and more.

So yeah, go ahead, don't have a smear test. But at a time when NHS treatment is compromised in so many ways, it seems weird to be so upset about it being pretty thorough in trying to help diagnose this serious – and often terminal – disease at an early stage, and treat it, before it becomes untreatable.

I knew someone who died of cervical cancer. She was only in her 40s, fit and healthy in every other way, and had a young son. It's a very painful way to die.

All your exes were virgin? Alright Goldicocks 😂

Wow. Compassionate response award. Slow clap.

I agree with you @Seventeenstars I haven't had one since the GP pressured me into one after I had my first baby, I will spare people the details as to why this was so inappropriate at that time. That experience made me decide I'd never have one again. I also read up about it, like you have and it made me feel better about this decision. I really really hate the way women are about this topic.

I also will be declining mammograms.

YANBU x

I think the reason you started this thread and the reason you are so vocal on quite unusual aspects of this topic is because deep down you know you are a bit unreasonable and you are questioning if this is the right decision. You have mentioned an autism diagnosis and that you struggle with the sensory aspect of having an internal procedure. You are able to opt out of the smear but at some point in the future you might really need some form of internal examination. It might be worth seeing a therapist and working through your concerns.

They (the medical establishment) haven’t come up with a less invasive test until recently but they have worked in the vaccine, which in some ways is a miracle and it had been around when I was growing up.