I’ve never had a smear test and I don’t want one either

[Seventeenstars]

Controversial I guess, I’m 36.
I don’t think it’s necessary, as I’ve read about my risk factors and I don’t meet the criteria. All the men I’ve slept with (without protection) were virgins and yes I know they were for sure.
I also have no family history of any cancer.
My partner has prostate cancer in both sides of his family, his dad has it currently and he’s not even been offered a screening test for this.
I find this so frustrating and contradictory when women and men are treated so differently and if you refuse smear or breast screening you’re seen as an awful person, and those who do are morally superior.
Men aren’t coerced into invasive internal examinations.
I have an aversion to having things inserted in me internally and feel I have a right to that decision regarding my body.
There are home tests for HPV available, which I have done myself in the past - all clear.
My question is why do they persist with this archaic procedure when there are other options available?

I keep getting phone calls from my GP surgery trying to persuade me to book a test. I don’t understand why they’re always pushing it, but just totally dismiss other medical issues, which has been my experience several times.
Do they get extra commission for this or something?
There are even pop up ‘clinics’ and drop in sessions going ahead near me.

Of course I know I’ll be bombarded with replies saying I’m selfish, stupid and uneducated. I’ve even read other women saying that those who refuse should be denied any medical care!
But I have done my research and I am more than aware of the implications.

🫣

What do you want us to say?

Its your choice. I agree its an unpleasant thing to have done but its very easily treatable when caught early.

Its useful for people to know there are less intrusive alternatives.

I don’t think anyone thinks you’re awful person. It’s your life and it’s your body that it affects. If you don’t want screening don’t have it. But I’m glad the option is there for those of us that do

Errrrm....ok?

Crack on?

Not really sure what we're supposed to say to this announcement?

It's your life, not ours 🤷‍♂️

My favourite phrase: "I've done my research"

Not sure what your AIBU is. You can do whatever you want with your own health. Just ignore the GP etc.

Thanks for informing us I guess

All the men I’ve slept with (without protection) were virgins

Condoms don’t offer protection against HPV. So yes, you likely have been exposed to HPV.

Look, it’s your right not to have it. But your dislike of it doesn’t mean it’s any less of a sensible idea.

NHS are always going to be focused on prevention, so of course they will try to insist on a preventative test.

You don’t have to go. Write to them and state that you don’t wish to have a smear test, and aren’t going to change your mind about it. Or just bin the letters. Whichever you choose.

GPs are in a difficult position, they persevere because it’s a failure of duty just to simply shrug their shoulders and decide they won’t bother with you any more. They don’t receive “commission”: GPs are incentivised to engage more patients in treatment where it’s medically indicated or to facilitate a public health programme, which can include funding. With things like smear tests, women who are reluctant to be screened may have reasons which they could be supported with so they will be willing to have one, but the supportive measures cost money which the GP’s standard funding contract can’t cover.

I am pretty sure they do get funding for pap tests as well as additional funding for hitting targets on smoking cessation and god knows what else. You don't have to support the system but that's how GP surgeries stay afloat as they are quite expensive to run and funding per patient is pretty minimal.
Your choice though. Your risk may be low but it's never zero. Nobody can force you to have a test though so carry on.

I’ve never felt morally superior to anyone else due to having had a smear test 🤷‍♀️

I think it's pushed beacuse it's a relatively easy way to test for HPV and cell changes and if caught early cervical cancer treatment is very successful.

I mean no one is going to force you to do it, so just ignore them. A rant on MN isn't really going to do much to change anything for you, not sure why you can't just be glad the procedure is readily available for those that choose to test

Is it just the smear test or have you already decided that you don’t want a mammogram either?

Your choice.
Missed mine in recent months because of unpredictable bleeding.

Got told I was on a 2 week pathway for possible endo cancer on my birthday, because of findings from an abdomen scan for something different.

Hearing 'looks all clear' from a specialist responsible for other internal examinations within the 2 weeks was not really something I could put a price on. And was told to go and schedule one, as the smear couldn't be done concurrently. Before long, I should know whether this is picking anything up.

I do agree with you, though, that with all the advances in medicine, this procedure does not seem to have been blessed with much change, or appetite for change, in 20/30/XX years.

Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain.

Agree with everyone else. Just crack on as you are. Why do you others opinions? It’s different from keeping up herd immunity or stopping the spread of other nasties.

I do know 2 very healthy young women who had abnormal cells lasered before they became cancerous though.

You don't have to have it, but from my perspective - it's a relatively qucik way to identify a very dangerous cancer, very early. Why wouldn't I have it? I don't like it, but I think I'd like cervical cancer even less.

I actually agree with you re prostate. I have discovered it's more complex than the fact that they aren't offering screening routinely, but nonetheless, I think more screening SHOULD be offered and proactively at that. DH has so much prostate cancer in his family - the type that did need to be dealt with - and while our GP is pretty good at agrreeing for him to have screening tests when he asks, I think it should be offered more regularly and proactively. Ditto for other men.

Incidentally, they think that pap smears will be eradicated by the HPV vaccine. Most recent statistics show that [note statistic that's incoming has some riders - keep reading] not a single woman who has had the HPV vaccine so far has been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Admittedly, this is still a small, young cohort and, I can't quite remember if the statistic is across the board, on a geographic basis or if there's other variables that should be added, but I do remember being dazzled by the initial data on the HPV vaccine's success. So it won't be a rpoblem in due course - ie they ARE working on better solutions.

wouldn't you feel gutted of you had cancer and it could be been nipped in the bud rather than maybe losing organs or worse?

I feel a bit guilty about that but I still don't go. I have had them before though.

I feel like I don't need one as I can feel my cervix. But they keep harassing me about it so much it does get annoying.

Are you planning on having children? That’s much more uncomfortable and you have no choice in the invasive internal examination.

Ask your GP surgery to stop ringing you about smears. I don’t agree with your decision but I respect it and think if you don’t want one then don’t hassle about it. Your body, your choice.

"Do they get extra commission for this or something?"

... No? 😂 Don't you understand why they do the smear?

In contrast my GP keeps texting me to book my smear- each time I call- can you call back next month appointments are full.

it’s so hard to get an appointment round here.

What do you mean you can feel your cervix? They aren’t feeling it?

Id genuinely love to hear you have this discussion with the 36 year old woman I am friends with at work. 3 beautiful children, the youngest only 3. Currently on stage 3 cervical cancer, no hair, no energy to play with her kids, cant work. All because she missed ONE cervical smear. Prevention is better than treatment. I respect its your decision but it makes me so sad that young women are willingly playing roulette with their health when so many others would kill to have the choice of prevention like you.

Nobody feels morally superior for having a smear test.