Smear test. Cervical screen. Papanicolaou test. Whatever you call it, be sure to get it. If you need to smear but feel too anxious, too busy or just didn’t realize how important this is your reminder book this appointment. You may have been put off by the lack of access to doctor’s appointments, the lockdown restrictions of the past two years, or the stories about how inconvenient they are, but it really is that important to book your cervical screening appointment.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina).
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and those with a cervix. In 2018, an estimated 570,000 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and approximately 311,000 died from the disease. About 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year. It is possible for people of all ages with a cervix to develop cervical cancer, but the condition mainly affects those who are sexually active between the ages of 30 and 45.
The statistics are quite depressing: cervical cancer takes two lives every day. What we do know is that smear tests save lives. In fact, 3/4 of those diagnosed with cancer could be prevented through regular cervical screening. this is one preventable disease – It is therefore vital that we reduce stigma and encourage greater acceptance of screening.
Around 3,100 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, almost all of which are caused by HPV. When you receive a letter from your doctor inviting you to book your examination, it is vital to make sure you’re watching. The screening process aims to detect early cell changes caused by HPV, known as the precancerous stage, and remove these cells before they become cancerous. Therefore, screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place.
Symptoms may include:
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- bleeding between periods
- bleeding after sex
- increased vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- bleeding after menopause
These symptoms are not exclusive to cervical cancer and are present in many different diseases as well. However, if you experience any of the above, you should seek medical advice so they can complete a detailed history and examination. Knowing your normal is so important: if something seems out of the ordinary or out of the ordinary yours body, see a professional for a checkup.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a very common group of viruses. There are many types of HPV, some of which are called “high risk” because they are linked to the development of cancers, including cervical cancer. Other types can cause conditions such as warts or verrucas. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by infection with a high-risk type of HPV. HPV infections usually don’t cause symptoms and most people don’t know they’re infected – which is why it’s so important to get a cervical smear. In England, girls aged 12-13 are routinely offered the first HPV vaccination, with the second dose 6-12 months after the first. The HPV vaccine is effective in preventing girls from getting the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.
A huge part of reducing your and others’ risk of cervical cancer is improving education around it and making sure those close to you are well informed. Talk to your friends and family, discuss cervical cancer, get tested and keep each other informed. Challenge the negative narrative by focusing on the significance of the outcome. Intimate health can be a taboo subject to discuss even with your BFFs, but it’s never been easier with the flurry of content demystifying the process. Here are some ways to get the ball rolling:
- DM your group chat one of the Eve Appeal’s reassuring IG Reels with Dr. Sesay. It takes a second and eliminates any awkwardness in real life.
- Gift of a Lady Garden Foundation tote bag as a conversation starter: “This tote is raising money for gynecological cancers! So speaking of Lady Gardens… have you had a cervical screen lately?’
- Rely on celebrity smear test experiences to open up the conversation. Chrissy Teigen has posted on Instagram about the importance of getting a smear, while in the UK Scarlett Moffat and Binky Felstead have also spoken out about abnormal results. It makes a potentially scary topic more relatable if you can cite a big name who has openly discussed their experiences.
There is plenty of support and information out there, including medical advice at your doctor or hospital, and through your sexual health clinic.
For more information, visit Jo’s Trust, NHS website, and us Dr. HANKS feature in gynecological cancers.
- I want to talk? Head over to ours HANX Life Forum for zero-judgment conversation about intimate health, relationship and sexual wellness topics.
- Learn more about HPV and its link to cervical cancer.
