Buy new bikini… CHECK!
Apply fake tan… CHECK!
Paint nails… CHECK!
Book smear test…?
There are lots of things you do in preparation for Summer…but only one of them might save your life.
1. IT’S A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
Cancer is probably one the most terrifying words you’ve ever heard and if you’re young, it’s probably a word you’ve given very little thought to. But if you’re aged 30-39 you are within the highest risk category for cervical cancer, with the under 35’s being the most likely to be effected.
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme or Smear Test is designed to prevent cervical cancer by testing the health of cells in the entrance to the womb. If found early enough abnormal or pre-cancerous cells can be treated, reducing the risk of infertility, long-term pain and in the worst cases death.
Cervical cancer is a very real and ferocious disease. With over 2,900 cases diagnosed in the UK each year, it is responsible for 2% of all cancer cases in women.
Whilst we may not be able to save everyone from the trauma and suffering of cancer, if abnormalities are diagnosed early enough, it is thought treatment could prevent up to 75% of cancers developing.
If you live in England you will be sent a letter from your GP reminding you to book your Smear test every three years from your 25th birthday (after the age of 49 this will reduce to every 5 years, until tests are suspended aged 64.) If you’re situated in Ireland, Scotland or Wales tests are available from the age of 20 and sometimes below. Anyone with a family history of cervical cancer can be tested every six months across the UK. If you have any fear that you are suffering symptoms of cervical cancer, such as long-term stomach pains or unexplained bleeding, you can request a test from your doctor or pay for additional tests privately.
Do not put it off. Calling either a family planning or your local GP surgery could mean you never have to get used to the word cancer.
2. IT TAKES LESS THAN 5 MINUTES
It is unforgivable that thousands of us ladies continue to avoid booking our smear tests because we are worried the procedure will hurt or are too embarrassed to strip off in the surgery. For those of you who are nervous about prospect of a screening, here’s a step-by-step anxiety-busting guide to exactly what will happen once you’ve made your appointment.
Most cervical screenings take less than five mins to perform. When booking your test you can request to see a female doctor or practise nurse if it makes you feel more comfortable.
*TIP: The best time for a smear is in the middle of your menstrual cycle, so try to make sure you are in-between periods at the time of your appointment*
When you go in for your test you will be asked to remove all your clothing from the waist down and lie on a couch. Don’t worry, you’ll be in the privacy of the doctors or nurses office and usually hidden behind a curtain.
When you’re ready the doc/nurse will gently insert a plastic instrument, called a speculum, into the vagina. This will allow your practitioner to reach your cervix. It’s small and you will only feel a slight discomfort.
*TIP: Remember, if you do experience pain at any point simply tell your practitioner and they’ll do their best to relieve this. The best way to minimise discomfort is to remain calm and breathe deeply, as this helps to relax your muscles.*
When they can see your cervix your doc/nurse will use a tiny brush to take a sample of some of the surface cells.
THAT’S IT! Then you can get dressed and your sample will be sent off to the lab for analysis.
*TIP: You can hear a gynaecologist explain what’s involved in the test HERE*
3. IT’S FREE
FREE!!! The Cervical Screening Programme is run by the NHS. This means all tests are free and can be performed at your local GP surgery or family planning clinic. Private tests are available at a fee if you do not wish to wait for your test, are too young or want additional tests.
4. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
The NHS screening programme has reduced the number of cervical cancer cases by roughly 7% every year since it began in the 1980’s. It is reportedly saving 5000 lives a year.
All smear samples are checked by two trained technicians to reduce the risk of inaccurate readings and your results will be sent straight to your clinic and at some surgeries can even be accessed online-it’s THAT easy!
If you are found to have an abnormal result you will be asked to come back for a further test, a colposcopy, to determine the seriousness of your diagnosis. 1 in 20 women will show abnormal cells, most will return to normal without treatment, but if you do require further care, catching the disease early massively increases the chances of you having less invasive treatment, recovering quickly and not suffering any long term side-effects.
5. THE QUESTION OF SMEAR TESTS SHOULD NOT BE ‘SHOULD YOU?’ BUT ‘CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD NOT TO?’
This summer, many women like you will be forced to undergo major surgery, be told they are infertile or undergo months of painful and tiring treatment. Some will face the harrowing ordeal of coping with a terminal illness. Do not let these women suffer in vain.
It is our responsibility to do everything we can to fight against cancer.
So before you apply your sun lotion or try on that new bikini, call your local surgery or family planning clinic to make an appointment. I repeat…it could save your life!
Written By Laura Shaw