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)

Oh for goodness sake, but very glad you've come through your treatment ❤️

As I understand, they only check for abnormal cells if you have HPV, so what is the point in having the awfulness of smears when they don't check if you have abnormal cells?

I've tested negative for HPV, will test every few years (settled same sex long term relationship) so wtf is the point in going for another smear?

I might go privately for my own peace of mind, but I'm genuinely interested if I've got this wrong??

If you want to do something which you know is actively likely to harm your health crack on but please don't use phrases associated with feminism to justify this.

How is declining screening "actively likely" to harm your health? The vast majority of women who decline screening will not have cancer that will lead to symptoms, so I think you're massively overstating the risks.

And you don't get to tell other feminists that they can't use the phrase "my body, my choice". Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right.

Ok this is exactly my understanding.

I find smears really painful, I dread it and have to have them yearly. BUT I STILL GO. Why? Because I had CIN3 cells found at 28 years old after previously having a negative smear. The NHS were amazing and I got treated quickly. The pain is worth it if it saves my life.

OP - are you usually against medical things and untrusting of doctors etc? You mentioned not giving consent to something when you were pregnant also?

Just getting the letters gives me panic attacks. I've only had one and it was so fucking awful(not the nurses fault she was lovely and did her best) I'm never having one again. So many rude attitudes on this thread. You don't have any idea why someone won't have theirs or doesn't want the letters.

PinkSparklyPussyCat i hear you, i have always had smears and found them terribly uncomfortable until i spoke to a practice nurse, she took her time and positioned it properly and it was a whole different experience.

Sorry if this is tmi I have been having problems bleeding in between periods feeling unwell weight loss and can not get an appointment without an invitation I’m in my 30s so don’t know if that anything to do with it but I would love that appointment

Hbh17 - Why do you not want a mammogram?

Not at all. But everything is offered to us and it's up to the individual what they accept or decline....I didn't feel they particularly needed to recheck my blood type in my second pregnancy because it was highly unlikely to have changed, bar some medical miracle taking place. Or to be retested for hepatitis/hiv at my 2nd pregnancy booking appointment since my sexual activity in 12 months in between the first baby and falling pregnant was with my husband and could be counted on one hand 🙄

Can’t understand at all why you want to decline … makes no sense 🤷‍♀️

My last one came with a form from the GP practice I had to fill out if I wanted to decline future smear tests. I still got numerous calls/texts asking if I was sure I no longer wanted them. Eventually they accepted my decision. Haven't had one for over 15 years now.

Ok. Your body, your choice to decline.
But if you do end up having cancer will you still expect the NHS to treat you?

They offered me one even though I had my cervix removed as part of my hysterectomy. But the op was private so NHS didn't have the record. I went and they said, yes no cervix and took me off the list.

I've had bad experiences with smear tests - bleeding for days, got nicked etc. I can understand why people don't want to go, but one of my friends caught cervical cancer early and is still here to tell the tale, so I still went even though I'd had bad experiences.

It really only takes minutes, whereas many women spend 20/30mins getting a Hollywood or Brazilian. Makes me laugh really...!

You shouldn't be having a smear test, you should be seeing your GP for diagnosis of your symptoms.

Mammograms have the potential to lead to over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Given that 50% of us will get cancer anyway, it seems a bit pointless and so I'm happy to take my chances.
Also screening doesn't "save lives" because I guarantee that 100% of us WILL die eventually!
I'm obviously not the only person to opt out, because it seemed to be a standard form that they sent me.

I'm happy for others to go for whatever screening they like, but nobody has any right to guilt trip those of us who choose differently.

You need to referred to Gynaecology for that, smear tests are not used to diagnose symptomatic issues. Have you seen your GP? You really should

You mean the same way that people who smoke, drink and eat to excess do when their bodies protest? Or the way everyone does when they drive a car and have an accident? Declining the offer of a smear is far less likely to result in me needing NHS treatment, certainly far less than the daily life choices made 99.9% of the population

If you're 30 or under you will have had the HPV vaccine so the cervical smear doesn't really do a lot. They test your immunity to HPV which, if you've had the vaccine, you should have.

I opted out but not for the reasons you think.

I have my smears done privately. This is because the NHS does them less than many gynaecologists recommend (it would be 5 years for women my age). And also because until recently, there wasn't the HPV test.

I kept getting letters inviting me and found that the screening service is not linked to my GP records. I was being called for a smear within months of having had one privately and couldn't understand why.

I am sure I had to call a number and ask to opt out.

@Teacupsandtoast I know so many women - incl young women - who have HPV that doesn't clear and they needed treatment,

A young friend of my DD had 3 abnormal smears (HPV) and had to have a colposcopy and Lletz treatment.

HPV is so rife now that unless someone is celibate and sure they are not infected at all, and have a proper HPV test (not one that's DIY) I think it's risky not to have a smear.

They don't extend the interval - my last 4 or so have been just HPV test, and I'm still called back 3 yearly.

There may be reasons that people will opt out of the NHS GP screening - if you have private health assessments (including screening) each year with work for example.

Sorry I did not know about the smear test I have just been informed on my own thread I am trying to make an appointment with my gp but it’s you phone at 8 in morning and are lucky to get one

People who do this ought to be made to sign a waiver opting out of any future free cervical cancer treatment if needed

NotQuiteUsual - To be blunt if you are ever diagnosed with cancer that will be fucking awful too, a lot more fucking awful than having a smear test.

I have had breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer. I had 2 operations, all my lymph nodes removed, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It was the most stressful time of my life, I honestly wouldn't wish that on anyone.

To everyone offered free screening please go to it, it could save your life.