The smear test campaign

[QueenOfIce]

There's been a lot of campaigning this week in particular to encourage women to go for their smear.

Does anyone find that these sorts of campaigns don't have any impact on them and don't encourage you in way to book an appointment?

Are you asking if there is anyone out there that would actually like to have cervical cancer?

No not at all, I completely understand the campaign and the reasons why it is so important to have a smear. Reason I ask is because my cousin won't go she just doesn't seem to be influenced at all by others asking her to go.

Just signed up to a doctors surgery and booked my appointment. The intention is there and it encouraged me to sign up

It made me try to remember when I had my last smear - must be about 9 years ago. I don’t know why I wasn’t sent a prompt. So anyway, yes, I need to book one and the advert definitely reminded me to do so.

I'm afraid I'm one of those who ignore campaigns. I'm 52 and have only ever had three smear tests, the last one probably 25 years ago or more.

What would make me go? I can't answer that....

@Palominoo Why would you not go?

I had abnormal cells that ended up being CIN3 aged 27. I would probably be dead by now if I hadn't gone for a test.

I didn't go for ages because I ended up scaring myself online with horror stories - how the tests were really painful and violating people fainted. Sort of the same way I've scared myself into never going on the pill.

I did go for a smear test in the end and apart from the bit where they put it in, which wasn't painful, I felt NOTHING. I didn't even realise the brush bit had happened until she said it was done. I must be numb down there because penetrative sex doesn't really do much for me either lol.

I've spoken to her and she just can't be moved. In her mind she will always be fine and she might well be so she seems to think that she doesn't need to go. To be honest the smear campaign hasn't done anything for me either but each time I get my NHS letter I book in shortly after so maybe that's why.

I to had abnormal cells aged 33, ive never missed a smear, don't mind the smear campaign nobody likes them but having one can save your life

Like you op, the campaign hasn't affected me, but I book as soon as I get the letter anyway.

I don't understand why anyone wouldn't go. It's a few minutes of being uncomfortable and it could save your life.

I don’t go anymore either. I used to but was treated badly each time; rude, rough and no follow up. Then I had a child with autism and appointments became difficult. My surgery seem to be actively discouraging and I spend so much time there for ds (he has other medical issues and a disability) that really there aren’t enough hours in the day.
And for anyone that feels like saying that having a child with special needs should be reason enough to keep yourself well, I agree but every day is hard enough just getting out of bed.

I hope they home kits happen soon that would be brilliant for those who can't/don't want to go. In fact I'd prefer a home kit! Getting an appointment can be difficult and off putting.

I find the language they use frustrating because it all revolves around this idea that women are too embarrassed. And I’m sure many are, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. But I found my last one extremely painful to the point where it couldn’t be completed, and pain never seems to be acknowledged. When I put mine off, it’s because of how much it will hurt me.

I still go, but the campaigns will never encourage me to do so. It’s purely willpower on my part.

It made me book my first ever smear test. Nearly 10 years ago now, just after JG died and there was a lot of awareness. I’d always just ignored the letters before. My smear test revealed I had severe diskariosis, which if left for another couple of years would’ve killed me. As it was I had the cells lasered and then cut out during surgery and have a smear test annually now. It absolutely saved my life.

I agree a home test would be the answer for me and probably the majority of women not going.

The campaign reminded me to book mine. I had a reminder a while back but I was pregnant.

Having watched my dsd, aged 23, die of cervical cancer, I go. Every time. Words can’t describe what she went through.

So please, when the reminder arrives, go.

I actually find the campaign rather annoying. I don't need to be guilt tripped, peassured or made to feel as though my feelings regarding what happens to me are trivial. I don't care if the nurse has seen a million women day in and day out, it isn't normal for me to have some nurse faffing around down there.
I know I should have one done but I can't face it. I'm extremely private with my body and find internal ultrasounds very painful so the thought of speculums make me go cold and numb.
If there was a home test I'd do it in a heartbeat but until then I don't know if I'll ever have one done

I find it useful as it reminds me to go. And makes me take it seriously, rather than booking and maybe cancelling at last min if something comes up.

I think my cousin finds it uncomfortable and she too is very private. I'm surprised the age is 25 though before your first smear surely that needs bringing down?

No, apparently the risk is very low under 25 and also under 25s have a lot of normal cellular changes happen hence produce a lot of false positive results.

I haven’t been for maybe 20 years
Why? Quite simply it hurt so much last time that I was in tears (and I never cry) & quite frankly I cant face going through that sort of pain again - for some people it isn’t “2 minutes of embarrassment” it is painful enough to put them off for many years. If I have symptoms, i’ll get checked out & I will live with the consequences of my decision.

I won't go. Don't want to share the reasons. I'd definitely do a home test though.

Yes it used to be 18 or once you were sexually active, whichever came first, but they figured the false positives and teenagers generally being more nervous about medical stuff and perhaps put off for when they were older, made it not cost-effective.

I will always remember a patient of mine, young woman who had never had a smear and ended up leaving two very young children very suddenly due to cervical cancer. Only diagnosed far too late when she became very unwell.

It breaks my heart how this can be prevented by a 2 minute procedure.