AIBU to ask for cervical smear re-test?

[domton]

I had a smear back in November, and as has happened a few times, my results came back with minor changes. On the two previous occasions, it said in the letter to re-test in 6 months. I did, and they were both clear, thankfully.

In this most recent one, minor changes were once more detected, but it said they should go back to normal, and go for my normal 3 year appointment.

This has left me feeling a little uneasy. I have SLE, which puts me at double the risk of cervical cancer than the wider population, partly through the disease process itself and partly because of the required immuno suppression (to varying degrees). This worry is counter-balanced by the previous 2 coming back normal on the retest, but I still feel odd about it.

Does anyone know if there has been a change in protocol or anything, or, is it as I'm thinking, a cost cutting exercise?

I asked a nurse at my last appt, and she said they won't retest within 3 years, Wales cervical screening) but I'm wondering about trying to actually get to have a conversation with a GP. What do people think? Thanks

Privately they are £102 starting price. Could be an option if necessary.

I don't think the lab would process a smear that isn't due, even if the GP took one. in the area I live they have to be within 6 weeks of recall and not any sooner.

Thanks nothingoriginal. This is one of the things I was wondering about. Ta.

Also, you shouldn't have tests less than three months apart. Have you tried speaking to someone at Cancer Research or Jo's Trust for some reassurance?

Disfor thank you. I would happily wait 3 months, but no, hadn't thought of these two places for some reason, jolly good idea. I'll look them up tomorrow.

Is it because there was no HPV found in the sample? I had minor changes but no HPV so they were happy to leave it for 3 years.

itsMe thanks. I don't know! I've just policed at their website and it mentions the HPV in all their test explanations but I am 98% sure it didn't mention it on my letter. I'll check with HCA (blood test appt) on Thursday if it mentioned it. Maybe I missed it,which I would have thought is unlikely, but I'll check. If that's the case then that would be reassuring enough. Thanks, I'll check.

The HCA may not know enough, they cannot take cervical screening tests. Perhaps ask for a telephone appointment with the nurse, they will have seen a copy of your result.

The lab won't process a smear if it's not due. (I had this recently - luckily the nurse realised before she took it. She said the lab destroy them if they receive them and they aren't due) I was advised to speak to my GP if I was worried about anything particular and they can refer for other tests if necessary.