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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to decline cervical screening offer?

549 replies

Teacupsandtoast · 30/08/2022 18:06

Just that really.

Is there a simple process for opting out or is there hoop jumping required? (Which often seems to be the case when it comes to withdrawing consent for anything)

OP posts:
LividLaVidaLoca · 30/08/2022 18:07

Why would you want to not make sure nothing nasty was happening?

I’m sure you’ll get reminded of Jade Goody, and with good reason.

Cornflakes44 · 30/08/2022 18:08

You can just not go. Plenty of people do. There’s no legal requirement but it’s a good idea to do it. Could you speak to your GP about your concerns and see if they can help you feel better about getting one?

JubileeTissues · 30/08/2022 18:08

YABU

ExtraOnion · 30/08/2022 18:09

I’ve not had one for 17 years … they send a reminder every 6 months / year or so.

Before anyone says anything - I know.

Runkle · 30/08/2022 18:09

Normally the letter you are sent says what to do if you don't feel you should have one.

Nevermind eh, you'll get the attention you're seeking here.

Do or don't, they save lives, your choice.

ElizabethSchuyler · 30/08/2022 18:09

dying of cervical cancer is a sure fire way of opting out.

Ineedtoletgo83 · 30/08/2022 18:10

Not sure why you’d want to opt out?

LittleLadyCece · 30/08/2022 18:12

Why would you want to opt out? It takes a few minutes of being uncomfortable rtable and maybe embarrassed depending on what your like but it could save your life

A woman I knew from school died at 38 leaving behind 2 young children so I’ve always felt quite strong about making sure I go

PonyTime · 30/08/2022 18:12

Why would you opt out of a life saving screening opportunity

YABU

Belindabelle · 30/08/2022 18:13

In my area you automatically get a letter. If you don’t make an appointment a reminder is sent. If you ignore that a final letter is issued making sure you don’t require an appointment then you don’t hear anything else.

mynameiscalypso · 30/08/2022 18:13

It's perfectly acceptable to opt out. Your body, your choice.

Ragged · 30/08/2022 18:13

You need to tell them that you have declined & not to waste their resources nagging you.

ButterstheCat · 30/08/2022 18:13

I was diagnosed with CIN3 when I was 27 and had to have part of my cervix removed.

Good luck to you in you're refusing smears.

RagzRebooted · 30/08/2022 18:15

Yes, there's a form you have to sign that has to be scanned and sent to the screening service, by your GP surgery. You can print it online and hand it in to them.

I wouldn't advise it, obviously, as it's my job to do them and I believe they are important, but I respect women's right to opt out of whatever they like for whatever reason. At least it will save the screening service and the surgery the hassle of sending reminders.

FlissyPaps · 30/08/2022 18:15

This reply has been deleted

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noclothesinbed · 30/08/2022 18:15

Jade goody

Spanielsarepainless · 30/08/2022 18:16

After a traumatic experience, I opted out some years ago. I just ignored the letters though I had told my (sympathetic) GP of my decision. In the end the screening board sent me a form to fill in and return. I am at very low risk and value not having PTSD from a barbaric and invasive procedure. Several friends have also opted out and others won't do breast screening.

GooglyEyeballs · 30/08/2022 18:17

Maaatttteeee totally get why you don't want to go, I hate them but you really should do! I think they do postal ones now, have you looked into that? I put my first cervical screen off for years until my clinic insisted so I had it and sobbed hysterically in the car, horrible experience. The next time coincided me needing medical treatment so I didn't really need have much choice. I had a different nurse and she was so lovely, while I didn't enjoy it I didn't feel so utterly unhappy that time around. Your body, your choice but please try to convince yourself to go!

mynameiscalypso · 30/08/2022 18:18

I don't know why people think that emotional blackmail is the best way to change someone's mind about consenting (or not) to a medical procedure.

Melroses · 30/08/2022 18:19

noclothesinbed · 30/08/2022 18:15

Jade goody

Jade Goody was screened.

Justleaveitblankthen · 30/08/2022 18:20

If you have ever been sexually active, you are at risk of cervical cancer.
The risk of a Virgin being diagnosed are also there, but very low.

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 30/08/2022 18:20

Just tell them you don't want the chance to detect cancer early and fill in a form confirming it.

PinkFizz1 · 30/08/2022 18:20

ExtraOnion · 30/08/2022 18:09

I’ve not had one for 17 years … they send a reminder every 6 months / year or so.

Before anyone says anything - I know.

Ridiculous. 🙄

Thesefeetaremadeforwalking · 30/08/2022 18:21

A colleague of mine had 'suspicious cells' show up on a smear test.
She went for colposcopy treatment and had the cells removed by laser.

She is now all clear 10 years later.

If left they could have become malignant.

But as others have said, OP, your choice - just let the surgery know you won't be attending.

BeanieTeen · 30/08/2022 18:22

Bizarre question in my opinion, sorry. Opt out? Withdrawing consent? Just don’t turn up if you don’t want it done, obviously.

What did you imagine could happen? Nurses start knocking on your door like bailiffs and then chase you around the streets with a a swab and speculum?