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Original poster

Missing smear tests

112 replies

Georgiemack · 08/04/2023 13:37

There are so many 25s to 35s ignoring the invite letter for a cervical smear test. I had mine on Thursday, and the nurse commented on the current uptakes. Im 49, and have had countless smears, us 45 plus group seem to attend. Its not pleasant as we know, but its not the end of the world either. I thought id write this just hoping it might encourage others if they have had an invite, to make the call.

OP posts:
TrafficBlocking · 09/04/2023 09:33

Hpv test is completely different to cervical smear. where are all these people getting misinformed like this?

Hpv vaccine doesn't cover you 100%.

People only hear what they want eh!

Hbh17 · 09/04/2023 09:45

Well, if I develop breast cancer (& of course, there are many other types of cancer) then I will decide whether or not to have treatment. And, if I have treatment, I will either recover or I won't. Simple.
Screening doesn't "save lives", which is just sentimental nonsense. In some circumstances, it may help to prolong life, granted. But there are also many false positives, which can lead to unnecessary treatment and stress. Many women (including medical professionals) make the decision to opt out - like I say, it's a choice, so none of us should be judged for the choices we make about our own bodies.
We will all die, so let's just enjoy the life we have and accept death when it comes.

Tarantellah · 09/04/2023 09:46

TrafficBlocking · 09/04/2023 09:33

Hpv test is completely different to cervical smear. where are all these people getting misinformed like this?

Hpv vaccine doesn't cover you 100%.

People only hear what they want eh!

Nowadays they take a cervical sample and check it for HPV. If you don’t have HPV they put your sample in the bin and don’t do the “smear” test to check for cancer cells.

RubbishDay · 09/04/2023 09:46

TrafficBlocking · 09/04/2023 09:33

Hpv test is completely different to cervical smear. where are all these people getting misinformed like this?

Hpv vaccine doesn't cover you 100%.

People only hear what they want eh!

Not sure what you mean.

The leaflet I got with my last smear explicitly said they only test the sample for HPV. If negative the sample is destroyed. Only if positive for HPV will the cells collected in the smear actually be looked at.

Therefore I would be having to have a unnecessary smear if my HPV test was negative. I therefore think having a less invasive HPV test which I can pay for myself is better than having a more invasive test which is likely to not be needed.

Hollyoaksisshit · 09/04/2023 10:00

cptartapp · 08/04/2023 15:31

Not completely pointless.
I've referred many a lady who have had cervical polyps for example, (which can turn nasty) who had no symptoms.

This, the nurse doing mine last time spotted a cervical ectropian and referred me for colposcopy there and then. I had actually intended asking if there was any advantage in continuing to come for smears now they only test for HPV but it was pretty obvious once that had happened! They can tell a lot from visual inspection, the nurse was able to say there and then she didn't think it was 'anything nasty' and the colposcopy proved her right. I hate smears but will continue going for mine now I know there's more benefit to them than just the HPV test.

ReadersD1gest · 09/04/2023 10:01

TrafficBlocking · 09/04/2023 09:33

Hpv test is completely different to cervical smear. where are all these people getting misinformed like this?

Hpv vaccine doesn't cover you 100%.

People only hear what they want eh!

Some people are under the impression that the test screens for far more than it actually does. It usd to, but it's changed.

ReadersD1gest · 09/04/2023 10:01

*used to

IsolatedWilderness · 09/04/2023 10:02

Hollyoaksisshit · 09/04/2023 10:00

This, the nurse doing mine last time spotted a cervical ectropian and referred me for colposcopy there and then. I had actually intended asking if there was any advantage in continuing to come for smears now they only test for HPV but it was pretty obvious once that had happened! They can tell a lot from visual inspection, the nurse was able to say there and then she didn't think it was 'anything nasty' and the colposcopy proved her right. I hate smears but will continue going for mine now I know there's more benefit to them than just the HPV test.

Show quote history

Similar experience here. I was thinking of opting out due to the change to HPV testing. My last smear though found a polyp. Probably nothing, and it wasn't pre-cancerous or anything, but was promptly removed. I learned then that I would keep going just for the visual check. You never know.

rainyalan · 09/04/2023 10:03

Why would people not go! I'm in my 30's and never missed one. Would not take the risk especially now I have children.

atotalshambles · 09/04/2023 10:08

Happy to stand corrected - but my understanding was that smears check for HPV first and if no HPV then the sample is not tested further. I also read that some women were having unnecessary treatment as the issues that were discovered in the smear would never have developed into cancer if no HPV was present. The number of experienced nurses who would be able to identify any issues has reduced so more inexperienced nurses would direct women for invasive painful treatment which ultimately was not necessary. I am having a HPV check privately and I will have a smear once I have booked all the many appointments we are behind on with Covid and not being able to book appointments etc.. My practice keep phoning me about the smear (don't they get paid for them?) but we have been unable to get urgent appointments for other things. So will definitely have a smear but am having a HPV test in the meantime.

IsolatedWilderness · 09/04/2023 10:34

You will get the full smear if anything looks questionable.

Eatentoomanyroses · 09/04/2023 10:45

@Hollyoaksisshit why did she refer you to colposcopy for an ectropian? Was she in two minds about whether it was one? I was told I had one but wasn’t referred for it.

EmmaEmerald · 09/04/2023 10:52

Hbh17 · 08/04/2023 15:50

Well, it's personal choice. I always went for mine when I was young, happy to have a male doctor/nurse, didn't hurt etc. But I was a bit brainwashed, because I treated it like a summons. Now I know that screening isn't some magic wand, and also has downsides. So, in later years, I haven't bothered going and I have also opted out of all mammograms. Some people may prefer to go, so good for them - I am happy for them to have the option. But let's just allow adult women to make the choices that are right for them, without judging them for it.

Same.
and I'm about to have a smoke.
and I'd only want palliative care.

I still can't get over the difference between how my BF dad died of cancer and how my dad died of cancer. BF dad refused treatment, died within a fortnight, was living reasonably normally till his last two days.

my dad suffered in hospital for months, he could have spared himself that if he refused treatment.

i feel like crying just typing that. I loved him but I will never understand why he did that, to himself and to us. I kept apologising to others on the ward because it was like being in a ward with an almost dead man.

definitely need a smoke and a cry now.

Trollsinmyeggbox · 09/04/2023 11:12

rainyalan · 09/04/2023 10:03

Why would people not go! I'm in my 30's and never missed one. Would not take the risk especially now I have children.

You seriously cannot fathom at least one good reason why some women won't go? Really?

Almie · 09/04/2023 13:11

I'm 25 and haven't had one yet. I was pregnant when I first got my letter inviting me for the test, and then I just didn't get round to making the appointment before I fell pregnant again 😬

After learning they destroy your sample and do no further tests if it's negative for HPV, I don't think I'll bother. I've decided I'll get an at-home test for HPV, and then I can contact my GP if it's positive and go from there.

I'm also now wondering if private cervical smears are available where they will test for cells even if you're HPV negative... I can get things like this covered through my husband's job, so I'll probably go for that if it's an option. Off to google!

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 09/04/2023 13:34

Almie · 09/04/2023 13:11

I'm 25 and haven't had one yet. I was pregnant when I first got my letter inviting me for the test, and then I just didn't get round to making the appointment before I fell pregnant again 😬

After learning they destroy your sample and do no further tests if it's negative for HPV, I don't think I'll bother. I've decided I'll get an at-home test for HPV, and then I can contact my GP if it's positive and go from there.

I'm also now wondering if private cervical smears are available where they will test for cells even if you're HPV negative... I can get things like this covered through my husband's job, so I'll probably go for that if it's an option. Off to google!

Everyone should make their own decisions, but make sure you are aware of the visual check that gets done at the same time before you decide.

A lot of people seem to not know/forget about that part of it

JenniferBooth · 09/04/2023 13:39

They can tell a lot from visual inspection

Yeah and anyone who pointed this out three years ago two years ago even 18 months ago was told a telephone appointment would have to do and dont you know we are in a pandemic

Almie · 09/04/2023 14:10

Oh yes @YetMoreNewBeginnings - good point. I had actually thought of that, but still feel I'd rather go private and actually get the cells tested if I'm going to bother with any of it at all.

I've done a quick search, and it seems a lot of the ones coming up either state they have the same procedure of disposing of HPV negative samples, or they don't clarify at all on their websites. However, I have found one in South Wales that will test for abnormal cells even if negative for HPV. I'm sure there must be more places who will do the same, but I will have keep searching! A quick trip to Cardiff isn't out the question for me anyway luckily Grin

BeeCucumber · 09/04/2023 15:57

Georgiemack · 08/04/2023 13:37

There are so many 25s to 35s ignoring the invite letter for a cervical smear test. I had mine on Thursday, and the nurse commented on the current uptakes. Im 49, and have had countless smears, us 45 plus group seem to attend. Its not pleasant as we know, but its not the end of the world either. I thought id write this just hoping it might encourage others if they have had an invite, to make the call.

Perhaps 25 to 30 year olds are not ignoring the invitations - perhaps they are making an informed choice not to screen?

EmotionalBlackmail · 09/04/2023 15:59

There seems to be a disconnect between why women don't go for smear tests and why the NHS and a lot of other people think they don't go,

I'd consider going for a smear test if there was a choice of locations/days/times to fit in with childcare and work, guaranteed female staff if you want that, pain relief options clearly outlined (eg gas and air) and which location has them. Eg gas and air only at local hospital.

Instead I just get hassled about it by the local GP who can't offer me a GP appt when I need one, where I know the practice nurse is pretty hopeless and makes mistakes and the letter lies and says the smear test might be 'uncomfortable' rather than downright excruciating.

Of course I'm not booking an appointment.

Original poster
Georgiemack · 09/04/2023 15:59

@BeeCucumber

I cannot believe the response to my post.
Reading the comments, i totally agree with you.

OP posts:
WheelsUp · 09/04/2023 16:01

I have a child who has had the HPV vaccine and didn't realise that it only protected against 4 (or 9) strains. I wonder if the letters inviting people to smears make this clear ?

RenoDakota · 09/04/2023 16:02

I have a friend in her early 50s who stopped having smear tests. She now has stage 3 cervical cancer.
Please have them done.

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 09/04/2023 16:05

WheelsUp · 09/04/2023 16:01

I have a child who has had the HPV vaccine and didn't realise that it only protected against 4 (or 9) strains. I wonder if the letters inviting people to smears make this clear ?

They don’t.

The letters, here at least, also don’t mention the benefits of the visual check still being done.

its as if they’ve assumed the change to the way of doing it won’t make a difference to numbers when it very, very clearly is

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 09/04/2023 16:19

I'm overdue for mine. I've had a series of increasingly crappy letters from the GP practice with the final one asking me to fill something in saying I no longer want one. They are aware of my violent rape & my issues surrounding those sort of exams and yet they either haven't put two and two together or they don't care. I wish I found it easy but I don't. It hurts, I have put my hands under my arse and push my hips up and then they usually comment on my scars because my dc were born by emcs and they're curious.

I'm not sure I'd have treatment if I had cancer so it doesn't matter to me.