To be really worried about smear test

[Chattycat78]

Just that really. I'm not worried about the test itself (next week) but about the potential result. My last one was 3 years ago and was normal but I m worried about what it might show if anything. I've also had 2 children in between so I don't know if that could cause significant changes in the cervix too.

Is it possible that cancer could have developed in the last 3 years since my last test? I should add that one of my close friends was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer age 36 last year, which has made me extra terrified of these sorts of things.

Aibu?

If your last was normal chances are you will be fine. I put off having one for years, gave birth to ds1 and was invited to have one but didn't. Dh was pretty pissed off with me. Took having ds2 2 years later and jade goodies passing to give me the kick up my arse I needed to have one and I've now had 3 all been fine.

Do you suffer from health anxiety or is this a reaction to your friend?
Nobody can give you the reassurance you want. We can tell you truthfully that what happened to your friend is very unusual and the risk of you having developed cancer is low. What none of us can do is guarantee the result of the test for you.
However, what makes some cancers so risky is that they have few symptoms so the very best thing you can do is to have the smear test as it can spot precancerous changes which are relatively easy to treat.

Chances are you'll be fine. But if it's not fine, well then it won't be fine with or without the test and you won't know so you won't be able to act. You KNOW you have to go. Be brave. No-one enjoys it but you need to do it.

YABU to be really worried. Tough love from me I am afraid!

It is highly unlikely that you've developed cervical cancer in the last 3 years. Possible but very very unlikely. Your smear test is the best way to find out whether this is the case.

Screening gives you an early warning of abnormalities that might develop into cancer. It is brilliant because it means if you have any abnormalities, these will be very likely to be detected and treated before they develop into cancer. Then you'll have regular testing to ensure it's been effective.

In the highly unlikely scenario that you have developed cancer - you'll find that out much sooner than you would without testing, get treated sooner, and therefore have a better chance of full recovery.

So testing and finding out is much, much, much better than not testing, and not knowing...

I've had treatment for abnormalities and the thought of it was much, much worse than the reality. As you may be able to tell I am now a massive advocate of smear tests.

I was worried about my last one, strangely. I don't know why.

But you don't have a choice tbh. You have to go and have it.

Otherwise you may not have the luxury of worrying about the result itself, you may be dealing with it instead.

Good luck!

Thanks all. I'm going- there's no question about that. I also realise no one can guarantee the result. I guess I was wondering what the odds were iof something suspicious happening immediately after my last smear, so therefore not picked up for 3 years. And yes I do think I'm extra worried because of what's happened to my friend.

Nothing to worry about. I had mine, got the results with detected borderline changes but due to no to detection of HPV , they believed these abnormalities will go away on their own. And they'll send me out a reminder for my next in 2019.

It does say on the letter If anything is to change or I am concerned in the future I can go see a GP and have another if deemed fit.

Bloody hell. I could have written your post.

I have mine 18 months ago (all clear) and worry about my next one every single day. in fact I dread going to the letterbox as it reminds me waiting for the letter in the post.

OP I wonder if you're more worried not only because if your friend but also because if your dc? I worry about my health more (not a lot still, but more than before) now, because the thought of leaving my boys is unbearable. Seeing other women my age die leaving young children just breaks my heart.

But everyone above is right. You have to go because not going will only make things worse, no matter what the smear result. Nowadays the biggest risk factor for developing cervical Cancer in the UK is missing routine smear tests.

Good luck.

I wouldn't worry. I had consistently abnormal smears and cin 2 and I'm fine now

They monitor it so well in colposcopy are are really quite over zealous.

The treatment is not so bad either.

If you haven't had abnormal bleeding etc I'm sure you're ok

Agreed. I am more worried because it's not just about me any more. I'm responsible for 2 small children and I have a responsibility to be there for them and not leave them. Of course I have to goz I guess the worry is partly a psychological thing.