FACTS and MYTHS ABOUT CERVICAL SCREENING
FACTS
In the UK, women aged 25-49 are invited for screening every three years, and those aged 50-64 are invited every five years. If you are over 65 and have had three consecutive normal results, you will stop being invited for screening as it’s very unlikely that you will develop cervical cancer. If your recent results were abnormal, you will be invited for follow-ups until the cells go back to normal. If you are over 65 and have never been for cervical screening, you are entitled to have it and should contact your GP.
MYTHS IT’S ALWAYS PAINFUL
Screening can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does, ask the nurse to stop. It may help to:
• Use a smaller speculum. Speculums come in different sizes, so if the standard size is too painful, ask the nurse to try another size.
• Lie in a different position. Lying on your back may feel uncomfortable for lots of reasons. Try lying on your left-hand side with your knees bent.
THE TEST IS EMBARRASSING
If you’re embarrassed by having a smear, tell the nurse. You could wear a skirt or dress and keep it on during the test. You’ll get a paper sheet to cover yourself, but ask if you can bring a shawl or blanket, too.
THERE IS MORE PAIN POST-MENOPAUSE
After menopause, the opening of the vagina and vagina walls may become smaller and less able to stretch, which can make the test more uncomfortable. Ask in advance for local oestrogen (cream or pessary), which can make it easier to put the speculum in.
CERVICAL SCREENING CAN PICK UP OTHER CANCERS
A survey by Target Ovarian Cancer found that one in five women thought that a smear could detect ovarian cancer. Cervical screening only looks at the cervix and is designed to pick up pre-cancerous changes in that area. It won’t detect any problems with the womb, ovaries, vulva or vagina.
YOU DON’T NEED IT IF YOU’VE HAD THE HPV VACCINATION
Women who have had the HPV vaccine still need to go for screening, as it doesn’t protect against all forms of HPV that cause cervical cancer.