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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Women failing to attend smear tests

656 replies

guardianfree · 22/01/2018 13:34

Women generally but young women in particular - 1 in 3 not attending.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jos-cervical-cancer-trust-charity-smear-tests-terminal-illness-health-wellbeing-hospitals-a8171011.html

I know they're unpleasant (and often feel humiliating) but what can we do to reassure women that they can be life savers?

OP posts:
DenPerry · 25/02/2018 09:05

They need to hurry up with this non-invasive method that's coming out, a blood test I think? They will see their uptake soar..

WiseOldHag · 25/02/2018 10:22

I've had an interesting morning reading this thread. What comes across strongly is it self-righteousness of those who are happy to be tested, in their criticism of those who are have capacity to make up their own minds on their health.

This isn't something that I see in other types of medical risk. Consider smoking, junk food intake, obesity, heart-disease caused by dental decay.

I can only think there's some element of resentment that these posters have against women asserting their right to make their own decisions.

My own experience -
A few decades ago, when my children were small, the doctor's receptionist (who was also his wife, and the practice nurse) held me by the wrist when I was at the surgery reception (desk booking at GP visit for one of my children) and told me that if I didn't attend for cervical screening there would be some question of my competence as a mother. Years later I now consider that I was raped. Being vaginally penetrated under threat of social services looking into my competence as a mother is rape. I wasn't a particularly young mother, but my family lived abroad, and I was vulnerable to abuse by the medical staff who might have supported me. [My children turned out just fine and are now all chartered professionals.]

Ereshkigal · 25/02/2018 11:11

Years later I now consider that I was raped. Being vaginally penetrated under threat of social services looking into my competence as a mother is rape

I agree. Asssult by penetration by coercion. So sorry that happened to you Thanks

WiseOldHag · 25/02/2018 11:13

thank you :)

HelenaDove · 25/02/2018 18:18

WTF did i just read. Wise i agree You were assaulted Thanks

Eresh im happy to hear that your mum survived.

WiseOldHag · 25/02/2018 18:48

Thank you.

These little acknowledgements mean a great deal to me. This has been on my mind for years and years, and I am triggered every time I get another one of those bloody letters.

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