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.

You deal with your hangups however you like, if you don’t want to have it, don’t have it. There’s no need for the all dramatics though.

Of course you did. 🙄

I’ve just googled the home tests - the results show a vaginal swab you use at home as far as I can tell. Is there a different kind of test?

As someone who has had cervical cancer (diagnosed at age 31) resulting in a radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy whilst pregnant with my second child, having had to sign for a termination I didn't want as a part of the surgery because I would die if I didn't have it - you're so very very very unreasonable in your stance of mocking those who do have the tests.

My cancer was found on a routine smear.

And FYI, minimal sexual partners and barrier protection used prior to my current relationship of 22 years. No history of cancer in the family

HTH

My Mum died of cervical cancer. It's not pleasant. Please get a smear. It takes minutes and for a few seconds of discomfort, it's surely worth it.

To be fair, the OP didn't really start the thread off in the right tone by accusing those who get smear tests of feeling morally superior...

I think it’s your GP you should be angry with. Personally I’m ok with it, don’t love it but it’s bearable for me.

I'm not having any more smear tests. When I'm called, I do a hpv test. Done and dusted. And yes GPS get bonuses for meeting smear targets.

And what if your husband cheats? However much you kid yourself it’s not possible, you can’t be 100% sure. Family history does not factor in with cervical cancer, it’s caused by HPV.

You sound naive believing all previous partners were virgins.

I caught HPV while married. I’m 28 and have Cin1. I’ve only had the HPV positive smears for the past 3 years (lived in a country where you get annual smears from 21. Within the last year, it’s progressed to CIN1. I don’t drink or smoke and have had no symptoms.

Had I not been having annual smears, I dare to thing what it may have developed into.

If the home hpv test is new but as effective as a smear then chances are it will get rolled out and replace smear tests, or there will be an option, in time. In the meanwhile lots of us are happy to be both offered and regularly reminded to book.

Maybe GPs do get bonuses but I think the overwhelming benefit is early detection and lives saved. I mean, they might be keen to get people getting tests anyway?

I would imagine the home test aren’t promoted more because there is more of a risk of them being done incorrectly and also the risk of people not actually doing them once they receive them.

I do think if people opt or refuse a smear they should automatically be offered a home hpv test though.

A smear test saved my life. Without a subsequent loop diathermy, my high grade abnormal cells would've progressed to cancer eventually. There's no symptoms. I felt healthy as a horse.

There are forms you can sign to be removed from the cervical screening programme. Ask the surgery for one and sign it.
Yes surgeries get paid for doing them, they also get paid for calling you. It pays my wages and allows me to run clinics to vaccinate babies, treat asthmatics etc.
The self swab HPV test should be rolled out this year to certain groups, but of course no one is then visualising your cervix. I have referred many asymptomatic women for polyps which can become cancerous.
It’s not uncommon to decline smears. It’s not controversial. Sign the form and forget about it if you feel that strongly.

The PSA blood test for prostate cancer is on its own unreliable, but if he is deemed high risk they’ll probably agree he can have one.
Practice nurse.

Fine then don’t have one. It’s your own health at risk for cancer so feel free to take that chance.
I never thought I would have precancerous cells ever but yet still happened to me and thankful the smear test picked it up to be treated in time

It’s your choice. Nobody can force you.

One of my childhood friends felt the same. She was only ever with one man, her childhood sweetheart, husband and father of her children.

She was around your age when she became ill with a ‘UTI she couldn’t get rid of’ and was admitted to hospital for tests. They found advanced cervical cancer that had spread to other organs, and she died 8-months later, leaving three children behind.

There isn’t a chance I would miss a smear test. Just not worth it.

Only you are affected by this. Only you will suffer not us so it’s your choice!
Prostate cancer usually affects older men. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common and can affect younger women.
Why do you think women are offered smears? Just to piss them off?!

I think this is absolutely fine. No one has to have checks for anything if they don't want. I'd assume they won't accept treatment for cancer if they get it as well though? Like if you're avoiding catching these things early so treatment is much easier and more reliable surely not wanting the tests you only have to have ever few years means you're ok with the consequences should they happen.

I love how you're research and justification are just anecdotes though. Why are we paying scientists and drs so much to create these measures when all we needed was to consult you.
And I'm sure your partner can go ask for a test, he's a big boy. Where I am no one offers tests for anything to anyone the responsibility to seek one is on the adult. Imagine if we all threw a tantrum because they didn't come looking for us to be tested for these things...

Well, OP, a friend of mine nearly died from
cervical cancer last year aged 31. She can’t ever have children.

So your life is your own, but what a needless waste when the tests are readily available for a reason.

No they don’t get commission. But you could argue it’s cheaper to do a smear and treat early than finding a cancer late. Up to you but don’t act so high and mighty and educated as your not. How horrendous the nhs are offering screening for something that could save your life. I had cin 3 and no hpv. Thank god I went for my smear.

I’m at an age when I don’t get called for smear tests automatically any more but I still request one every five years because I want to find out as early as possible if I’ve developed a problem that can be treated early. When I was in my early 50s, an internal examination showed that I had a large cervical cyst which was removed quickly and easily, but which wouldn’t have been found otherwise if I’d not had my smear test until it started to cause me problems. Similarly with mammograms, if I hadn’t had my second mammogram, the three tumours that were found in my breast wouldn’t have been detected until they were really well established - they were all very deep in my breast tissue and weren’t detectable through normal examination. I don’t enjoy the indignity of smear tests and mammograms any more than any other woman, but in my case they probably saved my life - my health is too important to me to refuse to have any screening that’s on offer.

Have it, don’t have it - your choice.

I went every 3 years for mine religiously, when on one they noticed a growth on my cervix. It wasn’t cancerous, but it needed rapid treatment to avoid growth or complications. That was just from the visual exam. I’ve never been positive for HPV.

Honestly, it’s a couple of minutes of discomfort for reassurance and prevention. Grow up.

My friends vulval cancer was observed during her smear. Don’t underestimate the value a visual inspection has - the HPV element isn’t everything.

You always have a choice

(Also, I can help you find your soul)

Genuine question - if you do get cervical cancer will you refuse treatment as you don’t want anything inserting up there?