English: Cervical cancer - T2 weighted saggital MR image of the pelvis Slovenčina: Karcinóm krčka maternice - T2-vážený sagitálny rez maternicou, vyšetrenie magnetickou rezonanciou (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A cervical screening test - also known as a smear test or cervical smear - is something that every woman between the ages of 25 and 64 is recommended to have regularly throughout their lives, to help detect the early stages of cervical cancer. Whether you’ve never had a smear, or have had 20, there are probably a few more things you could learn about this simple yet life-saving test…
1. Having a smear could save your life
Let’s cut to the chase. A cervical smear can and does save women’s lives. Because it detects the very earliest stages of cancer at the neck of the womb, the illness can be caught and treated - giving patients a far higher chance of survival. According to NHS UK, early detection and treatment could prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers.
Cervical smears are estimated to identify around 2,900 cases of cancer each year, accounting for 2 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women.
2. It gets easier after the first test
Many women feel embarrassed about going for a smear test, and for this reason some put it off for years. Ultimately five minutes of embarrassment is worth it for the peace of mind of knowing you have the all clear. The doctor or nurse has likely carried out hundreds of cervical smears before they’ve done yours and a good health professional will talk you through each stage of the process. You can even take a friend or relative if you think it’ll help.
Nearly every woman finds their first smear embarrassing, however the good news is that once you’ve had one you know what to expect and by the third or fourth you’ll barely even remember why you were so embarrassed in the first place.
3. An abnormal test result doesn’t necessarily mean you need treatment
If the results of your smear test indicate you have pre-cancerous changes in the cells that cover the neck of your womb, you will be advised on whether you need treatment or not.
According to Cancer Research UK your results could range from anything between borderline changes to severe cell changes, or you may have a result that says ‘CIN’ then a number which relates to the thickness of the cells which are abnormal.
The charity says you will only be referred for a colposcopy - an investigative treatment which uses a magnifying glass to look at the cells - if you have moderate to severe change in the cells on your cervix. If you have mild changes your doctor will ask you to return for a second cervical smear test after 6 months.
4. There’s an annual cervical screening week
In a bid to make more women aware of the importance of having a regular cervical smear, Jo’s Cervical Trust promote a yearly awareness week. With 20 per cent of women skipping their cervical screening appointments, the charity carries out invaluable work to raise awareness through local events and celebrity support.
This year there were events up and down the country, from sponsored walks in Edinburgh to outreach via mainstream news and media programmes like Daybreak, Sky News and BBC Online.
5. If you’re worried, you don’t have to wait for a letter from the doctor
Although you will be invited for a smear test every three years, if you are concerned you are perfectly entitled to make an appointment with a private doctor sooner. Cervical smears are generally included as part of a well woman test available at private clinics across the country and which involve a thorough medical check-up by a trained health professional.
There’s plenty of information available online about cervical smears, and if you have any concerns the best thing to do is make an appointment with your GP.
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