For anyone putting off their smear

[KerryMucklowe]

I went today after dreading it for weeks. I was in and out of the nurses room within 5 minutes and the actual smear took under a minute with no pain.

Can't believe I spent weeks not wanting to go for it to be done in 5 minutes 😊

I wouldn't be here today if I'd not gone for my routine one when my youngest was 3. I'd gone from a normal post birth smear to one with early stage cancer cells. It was terrifying, as the Doctors told me it was an aggressive variety. But I've been all clear since, and had them 3 monthly for a few years, then yearly and now back to 3 yearly.
Well done for going. I don't get the issue with a few seconds of discomfort; it's done for our benefit and is literally a lifesaver.

Well done. I was assaulted as an 18yr old, during a smear test, so I’ll pass thanks.

Snap. I will pass too. No thanks not for me.

Same for my sister - had skipped her regular ones and thought she was fine, but finally agreed during her second pregnancy on the basis that it was still more private than giving birth. She had early stage cervical cancer. It was very scary as she couldn't do anything for 3 more months, she had an early section and went straight for treatment, though it did mean she couldn't breastfeed and missed a lot of early days with her DS - however she is now clear and he and his sister have a mum.

Never miss a check now. And if you're thinking of getting pregnant, have your smear first!

And people are shocked if they do get diagnosed with cervical cancer because they missed a smear test! For the sake of a few minutes just have it done!

So sorry to hear of the bad examples above. For anyone nervous - you are fully within your rights to ask for only a female doctor to do this, and to have someone else in the room with you. Having seen what even successfully treated cervical cancer does to a person, I would urge anyone to get their checks, and when possible to get their DCs vaccinated.

For anyone nervous - you are fully within your rights to ask for only a female doctor to do this,

Even female drs get it badly wrong sometimes.
I will put it off as long as poss thanks.
We can blame the female Dr,who left the speculum in situ and the door wide open when she left the room. I would hate that to happen again.

Well done for going and I’m glad it makes you feel better. I choose not to have smear tests though so don’t go through any of the worrying!

Nice post. I always have my smear test, I’d spend all my time worrying if I didn’t that I had free access to this test and if something was wrong I’d never forgive myself.

That niggling worry would be worse than the experience which is over so very quickly.

It is a very rare cancer. It's prevalence is the same as rectum cancer.

I asked for one after my first dd when I was 22 despite 25 age limit and thankfully my lovely consultant agreed. I've had them three yearly ever since and I vow to never miss one.

I honestly don't get why you wouldn't have a smear?!

Too many false positives, it does not meet Wilson Criteria, CIN generally clears up on its own, it's rare cancer etc, etc

Befair my Mother thankfully survived cervical cancer but was left with severe problems. My dear friend died of cervical cancer and 2 people I know have lost their sisters to it. My mother in law died of anal cancer. So it sadly doesn’t seem that rare. I am a great believer in choice for screening but am very glad that an abnormality that I developed was found and treated. It makes me sad that some women have been put off attending by awful experiences.

Have had many smears, none have been uncomfortable; and after giving birth, I no longer find it at all embarrasing!!

False positives for what? CIN/CGIN? Do you mean actual false positives, as in incorrect results, or do you mean too many preventative treatments based on cin2/3 (correct diagnosis) when only some would go on to develop into cancer?

I went for one recently. To my surprise, I hadn't been for 7 years!

Not the most pleasant experience as she couldn't find my cervix and had to change speculum - but totally worth it.

I had to google Wilson criteria (not a doctor), which part(s) doesnt CC screening meet? I just had LLETZ treatment and would be keen to avoid it again, all information is good information.

It does not meet a lot of the Wilson Criteria. Lots of over treatment and harm to the cervix, psychological distress, lead time bias etc, etc. A lot of educated guesswork on cervical screening rather than hard facts.

My point is it should be informed and fully consented choice. However NHS literature is always heavily biased. I always want to look at all the evidence myself from scratch before making any decisions. I never rely on NHS literature for anything.

Time for big girl pants and get it done girls. Had mine this week. Wasn't looking forward to it but has to be done.

For those not having a smear - in all seriousness - if you do get all the symptoms of cervical cancer will you go and see a doctor? If cancer is then confirmed how will you feel? Genuine question.

I had my smear a couple of weeks ago, results came back clear but GP saw and found something she wasnt happy with so has referred me to Gynae on 2 week rule. I'm scared but relieved whatever it is, its been found sooner rather than later

I'm actually amazed at how many people don't have them done!

I'm surprised how many people are being negative on this thread.

If you don't believe they are accurate/ have had a bad experience then that's up to you but I don't think people should be inflicting other peoples choices.

How would you feel if someone decides not to go for their test and subsequently develops cervical cancer?

If people are worried about abuse, reliability, ethics etc they can complete independent unbiased research rather than listen to people on MN.