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.

A smear test is not screening for cancer-it’s screening for HPV. That’s not a belief, it’s a fact and it’s so worrying that most women still seem to be unaware of such a significant change in screening policy.

It really doesn't hurt but you do you XX

I don’t think they’ve made it widely known in fairness. I only know because my friend is a medical professional

It is though. The NHS is offering home HPV tests for women who don't attend for a PAP when invited. A PAP test carried out by a HCP is the better option for the visual check reason and as far as I know the NHS isn't revoking this method of screening.

But when us older women have aged out of the screening programme and all the eligible women have gave the HPV vaccine, so they'd be far fewer CCs, it would probably make sense to wind up the screening programme based on cost per outcome

I agree, it is concerning to see post after post about a smear picking up abnormal cells. Hopefully once they roll out the home testing, they'll do some advertising and people will be better informed.

OK. You do you

So if it’s your body and your choice, why are tell a bunch of strangers? We have nothing to gain or lose if you do or don’t have a smear.

I gather the point of this thread is for the majority to say ‘but you need to! You could die!’ And you tell us how you’ve ’done your research’ (I.e. google) and we’re all stupid and you’re not.

Pointless clickbait thread.

You can't have done much research yourself if you think having had an ELCS means someone's not familiar with the effects of the options. Even if OP had said, and she didn't, that it was entirely maternal request with no other indication (because some ELCS are on medical advice) there are still both risks and benefits to choosing section and attempting vaginal birth. They're set out in the NICE guidance. It's simply a question of which a woman prefers.

You are perfectly entitled to make all decisions about your own body especially regarding invasive tests. Equally the NHS has a duty to invite you for tests for a cancer which is curable especially if caught early. It's an invitation - no obligation to attend. Just decline every time if it suits. It's your body and life after all.

There's no reliable screen for prostate cancer at the moment. So thats why. It's not just because they want to mess with women. I thought they had changed it to an HPV screening anyway, which you can self test for. So what's the difference between what you did and what the NHS are offering?

It’s crazy isn’t it? I can’t speak for all but in my trust if your HPV test is negative they send you a letter that literally says due to testing negative for HPV the sample has not been tested for cancer as the likelihood of cancer if you are HPV negative is so low.

A repost. It sounds like anyone six months overdue will automatically receive an HPV test through the post at some point from this month.

eveappeal.org.uk/news/hpv-self-sampling-tests-will-now-be-available-for-those-who-havent-attended-cervical-screening/

Yes it does. Do not dismiss the pain and discomfort many women feel during smear tests.

I agree, also the fact that they make you wait 5 years I think it is? For another one if you’re HPV negative. Seeing as I had abnormal cells I’m planning on being extra vigilant going forward for any changes!

It’s a fact I’m aware of. It screens for HPV as HPV can cause the cell changes that lead to cancer.

If HPV is present, the cells are then tested for abnormal changes.

I do not believe that I can do as effective a test in my bathroom as a professional can do in a medical setting. I cannot see my own cervix and observe any changes.

I am a big fan in trusting the experts. I don’t question a garage when they tell me my car has failed its MOT, I’m not a mechanic. I don’t question why a doctor or nurse needs to check my cervix themselves rather than me doing it.

I would prefer to take the most accurate test available, administered by the most suitable person.

I cannot understand why any woman would gamble with their health, and the accuracy of checking it, because a procedure is uncomfortable.

My aunt died of cervical cancer because she didn't attend her screening appts. She was 38. Her kids were 7 and 8 when she died. Yes of course it's your choice. But when assessing risk you should take into account both likelihood (which you have with your risk factors) AND severity (in this case death - very high!).

I think it’s a disgusting change in policy to be honest. What other form of “cancer screening” makes patients undergo such an invasive test and then not even bother to take a proper look at the sample? Low risk is not no risk. I have had one smear test in my life and will not be having another one as it is not a cancer screening, and my personal risk of HPV is zero.

Also agree with this. As in, I wouldn’t say I find it painful- rather uncomfortable but I imagine it can be painful for some women and may feel extremely invasive.
Just because I don’t mind them doesn’t mean that everyone should feel how I do about it. I am terrified of the dentist and find lying on my back with someone’s hands in my mouth far more invasive than a smear but that’s just me.
Sorry for the ramble, I’m drinking wine on a school night.

99.7 % of cervical cancers are caused by HPV
Don't be too unhappy about the test. It's the NHS making a reasonable cost based decision on risk v reward, freeing up the money from pathology labs, equipment and staff to be used elsewhere in the system.

If they continued spending millions every year to look at cell changes under microscopes in order to catch 0.3% of cervical cancers we'd all be rightfully up in arms at the waste when waiting times for everything are getting longer, we see PAs instead of GPs, and new cancer drugs are more expensive than ever

As nobody here knows you, no-one cares if you have a smear test or not. I think the sometimes hostile reaction was because you were a little aggressive in your tone about how other women would react, and what the motivation for trying to encourage women to have smears is. I imagine the reality is that most of us understand that it's not pleasant, can be very painful (it is for me), and for some women, including you it seems, difficult for all sorts of other reasons. We also probably generally trust the general good faith of our doctors in why they want us to have them, and doubt it's profit oriented.

...you think that cervical screening was introduced and is promoted "as a stick with which to beat women"?

then there should be options surely I am fine with smear tests and this time she also found a fibroid that was followed up. I prefer a medical professional doing it and will continue to get them down - for me the minor discomfort is worth it and would not want to do it myself

i can see why others would find it more awkward though

Only about 90% of cervical cancers are connected to HPV.

The screening takes seconds, you're being unreasonable.

It’s a very good point. They have the sample right there! Why not test it wholly?!
I will continue to have them when I am called but that’s my choice and I support your right to your choice.
I know my mum keeps getting letters to get my sister to go for a smear but she has Downs’ Syndrome and has never been with a man. For her, the stress of the procedure isn’t worth it. We all get to make our own choices but they need to be informed ones and letting people know about that change in policy forms part of that

No, I should have been clearer that I was referring to the PP’s focus on the unpleasant narrative that exists around smear tests, not the tests themselves.