to decline cervical screening offer?

[Teacupsandtoast]

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)

But why are we not offered them? Why is cervical screening available but not lung cancer screening, for example? Everyone has lungs, right. And lung cancer isn't only caused by smoking, although it is the leading cause, so why are we not pushing people to have their lungs checked every 2 years? Don't you think it's odd that it's only women who are pressured into having invasive examinations done to them from a young age without symptoms or family history? Why are men not pressured into having their prostates checked from 20 years of age?

Just don't go. I just ignore the texts.

Saves the NHS some cash as well.

But why are we not offered them?

I've no idea, I think we should all be offered much broader screening. A non-smoking friend died of lung cancer 3 weeks after diagnosis. It's shit. Doesn't mean that screening of women's body parts is any less valuable

You clearly d

I second the poster who suggested the online HPV test. I do one everytime my smear letter comes around, my letter is a good reminder to book a test.
Get them through superdrug/lloyds online pharmacy. Test at home yourself. Send it off in the post. Results within the week!

Honestly it's a superb service, something I wish the NHS did offer as it's quick/easy to do at home for those who choose not to go for smears. Although not as accurate as it does not check cells, it's checks HPV status which is a common factor in cervical cancer.

Screening does not prevent cancer. What a vile thing to say.

There is absolutely no need for the sarky comment.
People have a right to choose what happens to their bodies. Again comes the assumption we will all die horrible deaths from cancer.

My GP said she thought this is what was likely to happen on the NHS in the future, and only those with HPV would be called for a smear.

See this. You have a reason for wanting to be screened. You consider yourself to have a higher risk of skin cancer and not just because you have skin. Someone who always wears factor 50 and avoids the sun might go for screening "just in case", or they might think their risk is so low it isn't necessary for them. It's the same for cervical screening. Just because someone has a cervix doesn't mean they're going to get cervical cancer. We should get to decide what our individual level of risk is, based on family history, health, lifestyle. It's a personal CHOICE.

I hope no one attacking other women for their choices smokes, drinks, eats red or processed meat or is over weight or has dared not to have children. All these are risk factors for developing cancer. Choosing not to undergo screening does not cause cancer.

I've no idea

Exactly. Yet you're comfortable judging other people on things you don't even understand because it's been fed to you from when you were a lass that you must do this thing or you're a terrible, selfish person who will get sick and die and be a drain on NHS resources on your way out.

Absolutely!
Smoking and drinking are a bigger risk cancer wise than not having a speculum shoved up your vag.

I've no idea

Exactly. Yet you're comfortable judging other people on things you don't even understand because it's been fed to you from when you were a lass that you must do this thing or you're a terrible, selfish person who will get sick and die and be a drain on NHS resources on your way out.

How about you quote all what I actually said:? Which was:

"I've no idea, I think we should all be offered much broader screening. A non-smoking friend died of lung cancer 3 weeks after diagnosis. It's shit. Doesn't mean that screening of women's body parts is any less valuable "

And how about you look at how often I've said it's everyone's own choice, rather than accusing me of judging people? You've judged me pretty harshly and insulted my intelligence with your comments but I couldn't give a flying fuck. I've probably been around a lot longer than a lot of people on this thread and have lost people very dear to me who might have been saved by screening and earlier treatment. Some because they chose not to take it up, some because routine screening isn't available for all that it should be. I've also got people close to me still alive because screening allowed for earlier treatment. If people don't want to take up the option of screening, that is their choice.

I think you most definitely DO give a flying fuck. And you sound irrationally furious about women making their OWN choices about their OWN bodies. Have a word with yourself @RockingMyFiftiesNot !!!

Also, do BORE OFF with the 'I have been around a lot longer than most of you' garbage. It's embarrassing. Who do you think you are? You think you are the ONLY ONE to have lost people dear to you? How disgustingly condescending, presumptuous, and arrogant! Just how fucking dare you?

It is so strange how angry/pissed off some people get at someone else's personal choice. A woman choosing not to have a scan is not a crime or something to be rude to her about.

I haven't RTFT yet but it infuriates me how uncomfortable they make it
At my doctors, the bed is against the wall. So they say drop your knees, but you can't as you've got a bloody wall there! It would be much easier and more comfortable to do it on your side (so you're facing the wall) but the light is attached to the wall and can't be moved
It's like they make it as hard as possible

just ignore the letters

yes you will get more but again ignore them

it’s better for the nhs to be contacting as many women as possible who as some may change their mind

Why refuse a test that potentially save your life??

Willyoujustbequiet, there is really no need to be so nasty. None.

Yes.

A unicorn one.

This thread has been really depressing to read. The conversation around cervical screening is always so harsh and unkind. Women who don’t attend are derided as ‘stupid, naive, uneducated, immature, irresponsible’ etc. There are numerous reasons why women don’t go; anxiety, FGM, pain from conditions such as vaginismus, past trauma such as sexual violence and traumatic childbirth, as well as informed choice not to. I firmly believe that anyone who wishes to screen should be supported to do so and no one was ever supported by being insulted. Equally, no one deserves to be mocked for exercising their right to
bodily autonomy. The women I know who don’t attend have made an informed choice based on their research into the risks and benefits and their personal circumstances.

I don’t believe that most women currently give informed consent to screen. The risks and benefits are just not made clear enough. And there are risks - hence why the age was raised to 25. Too much harm was being caused to younger women.

I am not anti screening at all, but I am pro informed choice. And definitely pro kinder, more respectful conversations that don’t risk mocking and insulting people who may already be struggling with something very difficult or traumatic.

Your comment was a breath of fresh air. Thank you.

Honestly some people on this thread are scum.

You could just google this.
Is attention all you are after?