Cervical Smears-Not to Go?

[B1rthdayD1lemna]

So I’ve always been very compliant with anything medical but after a number of really bad experiences (most NHS but some private) I’m now more sceptical.

I’ve been invited for my latest smear test, and inspired by another current thread on women’s health, I wanted to ask IABU if I don’t go?

I know for some people smears can be painful and even traumatic. I’ve been lucky not to have been in that situation. However, I am concerned about the downsides-mainly, the risk of false positives. Basically where something “abnormal” is treated but where it wouldn’t have actually caused harm. I think these are a recognised downside for preventative screening programmes, but I don’t know what the risk is for smears and breast screening. I’m not in an at risk group so far as I know. If I noticed a problem I would definitely get it checked out but just want to take a risk-based approach.

Did you not read all the stuff about Jade Goody?

Just go. It doesn’t take long and any discomfort is short-lived.

Yes I remember her case. I think she missed screening and it was caught too late? My post was really more about having information to make the best informed choice.

Worry about a non-diagnosis of cancer, just go and do it, just a few moments. It is often too late when you get symptoms and many cancers are not genetic.
These tests are life saving!

The best informed choice based on what, though? It’s a simple test and you should go and have it done.

It's entirely up to you, it's your life. I dont think it's 'wrong' not to go. I choose to go because I'd like to know if something may be wrong.

Don’t allow that other thread to distort your views. For most women, it’s a simple 10 minute appointment. If you can, you should.

I've seen some idiot science in my life but your post takes the biscuit.

Fgs please have the smear. It doesn't mean you're totally safe but it does a bloody good job of telling otherwise.

A false positive may be a bit scary, but much less of a problem than no test and you have cancer.

Here we go again.
They only test for cell changes if HPV is found.
An alternative is a private HPV swab that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Very easy. You just put it up and wiggle it around a bit. No need to worry about finding your cervix
Obviously if HPV found then you have some decisions to make.

It's good to be informed about what the test now tests for.

You should think about going.
It is not the most comfortable experience but I think it is worth it.

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/cervical-screening#:~:text=Your%20nurse%20or%20doctor%20will%20use%20an%20instrument%20called%20a,a%20lab%20to%20be%20tested.

There you go. Either book the test or don't - just let them know so they can move onto the next client

P.s. a colleague of mine had a smear no unusual signs so nothing to notice, and abnormal cells were noted and colposcopy performed within the month of results, now will be invited to check on a yearly basis.

You provide consent to test and your provide consent to test.

Idiot science? I’m not claiming to be an expert on this and so am asking if people have any info/stats. But it’s a well-known risk with preventive tests that they sometimes give false positives. Basically where the abnormality picked up wouldn’t have caused harm if it had never been found. As they don’t know which abnormalities will be harmful treatment is offered to everyone. They literally explain that on the NHS materials that come with the smear invite. So it’s not something made-up or not recognised. I don’t know how common false negatives are for smears and I’m certainly not trying to discourage anyone from going, just trying to get accurate info

Would you rather a false positive or a late (possibly fatal) diagnosis?

False negative is better than not knowing you're positive surely....

I genuinely can't understand your thought process.

You won't get more accurate info from AIBU than you will from NHS.

A smear test checks for HPV or not. You can go and put up with a few minutes discomfort or you can not go and be at increased risk. Choice is yours.

I'd be he more concerned about a false negative than a false picture. Go. The stakes are too high not to.

Would you rather get a false positive and some treatment, or not know you have cervical cancer until it’s too late to treat? What a stupid fucking post honestly.

Genuinely I think it depends on what happened next. As I understand it there would be further investigation and then there can potentially be treatment of some kind or ongoing extra monitoring if they still aren’t sure after further investigation. As odd as it may sound, the uncertainty and ongoing monitoring could be worse for me as someone who has had health based anxiety so extreme I’ve been suicidal. It’s not aKeats black and white

Yep. Not worth the overthinking. Just go.

You can ask the nurse to be gentle if you are anxious. They do try.

They give you the choice if it’s not progressed too far (and even then - it’s your choice). I had CIN 2 and was offered watch and wait or treatment. I went for the treatment. But don’t refuse screening. It gives you information that’s all.

Or worse, a false negative.

The cervical cancer screening misdiagnosed dozens of women in Ireland.

Vicky phelan, blew the lid and refused to keep her settlement private 2018 Before her untimely death.

43 received apologies, 30 died, estimated to be much higher

I'd take the home swab.

I think Jade Goody had ovarian cancer for which there is no screening, but I might be wrong.
Nevertheless it's important to go for smear test.

I do (I think) understand where you are coming from, you are concerned about an incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Just some thoughts

• if your results are borderline, they can do a retest, which significantly reduces the chance of a false positive
• being told you have an abnormal result doesn't mean you have to have treatment, you can have the test and decline treatment if you chose, but at least then you are making an informed choice with all possible information being available to you.

Hmm, I think I could live with a false positive that is quickly corrected than telling my kids I couldn't be arsed to go and they'll now be burying me.