Cervical Screening and Cervical Cancer | 4C's Blog 13th June

Published on 13 June 2023 06:54 AM

Please find our latest Creating Cancer Caring Communities Blog below - on the agenda this week, we focus on the importance of cervical screening and cervical cancer. Read on to find out more...

Talking about Cervical Screening

Cervical screening (also known as smear tests) is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Anyone with a cervix aged between 25 – 64 should attend regular cervical screening. However, 1 in 4 do not. According to Dr Whitney Curry, Advanced Public Health Practitioner at Cornwall Council, "It is really concerning that fewer and fewer women are taking up the offer of cervical screening. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers."

What does it involve?

A smear test checks the health of your cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina) by detecting any unusual cell changes. During the screening, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix, and these samples are tested for the HPV virus. Any ‘high-risk’, abnormal cells can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer. So, the aim is to find and treat changes to cells before they develop into cancer.

Why is it so important?

Abnormal cell changes in the cervix do not cause any symptoms. The only way of knowing if you have them is to have cervical screening. Screening finds and treats abnormal cell changes that are likely to become cancer, so is an effective way of preventing cervical cancer.

Am I at risk?

If you have a cervix and have had any kind of sexual contact, with a man or woman, you could get cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers are caused by infection with high-risk HPV. spread through:

Vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area.
Sharing sex toys.

HPV is a common group of viruses. In most cases, your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any issues. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and can develop into cancer.

Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer – women (inc. lesbians and bisexuals), trans men, non-binary people and intersex people.

Common Reasons Given for not attending Cervical Screening

“It’s painful.”

Cervical smear tests are nothing to fear (Macmillan) at worst, they may feel a little uncomfortable, but this is not very common. Plus, the whole appointment only lasts a few minutes – and it’s a few minutes that could save your life.

Remember that you have control and stop the test at any point if you need. You can try lying in a different position or ask for a smaller speculum (the smooth, tube-shaped tool inserted into your vagina so they can see your cervix) if the standard one feels uncomfortable. If you're finding the test more difficult after going through menopause, they can prescribe a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary before the test.

“I’m too busy!”

Life can be chaotic, but cervical cancer sadly claims the lives of hundreds of women in the UK every year and screening is the best way to bring that number down. Try not to put off having your smear test.

“I’m nervous.”

Here are some ideas to try:

Breathing exercises to relax.
Bring something to listen to or read during the test.
Bring someone along with you for support.
If you think you might need extra time, you can ask for a longer appointment– some GPs can offer a double booking.

“I’m embarrassed.”

Maybe easier said than done, but remember that doctors and nurses are used to doing this screening all the time - it’s their job and they are there to support you along the way. Most nurses and doctors who take cervical screening samples are female, but you can let someone know if you'd like a woman to do the test. You can also ask to have a chaperone in the room with you – either someone you know or a trained member of staff.

“I don’t need to go for my smear test, I’ve already had the HPV vaccine.”

The HPV vaccine does not protect you from all types of HPV, and it is not clear how long the protection lasts. So even if you’ve had the vaccine, you’re still at risk, and it is still worth going.

Here are the symptoms of ovarian cancer to look out for:

Bleeding between periods, during or after sex, or after you have been through menopause.
Anything unusual for you, such as heavier than usual periods or changes to your vaginal discharge.
Pain during sex.
Pain in your lower back, between your pelvis, or in your lower tummy.

When should I go?

You should receive a letter in the post about making an appointment. Those aged between 25 and 49 are invited every three years, while those in the 50-64 age group receive an offer every five years. Once you reach 65+, you’ll only be invited if any of your last three tests were abnormal. As soon as you get the letter, you should book an appointment. If you missed your last screening, go ahead and arrange it straight away. If you have any symptoms of cervical cancer, book an appointment with your GP immediately; do not leave it until your next smear test.

You’re more at risk if you are:

Under 45
Have a weakened immune system.
Have given birth to many children or from a young age.
You’ve previously had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer.

Even if you have only had 1 sexual partner, you can get HPV the first time you're sexually active. If you have had the same partner, or not had sex, for a long time, you could still have had HPV without knowing it.

More Support:

You can find out more information through these helpful links:

Dates for your Diary

That's it for this week, however, we are out and about this month, so why not pop along and meet us at one of the following events:

Bodmin Cancer Café: every 2^nd and 4^th Friday from 14.00 - 16.00 at Bodmin Old Library, Lower Bore Street, Bodmin.

Friday 23^rd June, Geraldine Ashton, Parish Nurse will be joining the café. Free to anyone affected by cancer.

Wadebridge Cancer Café: every 2^nd and 4^th Friday from 10.30 - 12.30, Wadebridge Concern, John Betjeman Centre.

Weds 28^th June: Meet Mary Austin, our Macmillan Cancer Lead, at Newquay Job Centre, Wellbeing Fayre between 10.00 - 12.00.

See you soon