SMEAR FEARS
The common mistakes making smear tests painful that women don’t realise (and it could save your life)
Smear tests are one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer - find out other ways below
CERVICAL screening helps prevent cervical cancer from developing and saves thousands of lives every year in the UK.
But many women avoid a smear test like the plague because they find them uncomfortable or painful.
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Experts have now warned women could be needlessly suffering agonising pain during their test because they're failing to ask for simple adjustments during the procedure.
Asking for a smaller speculum to be used or booking a double appointment so it's not rushed are just some of the ways screening can be made to feel more comfortable.
However, as few as one in 10 women are aware they can make requests like these to their NHS healthcare professional, according to a poll by .
The cervical cancer smear test, also known as a Pap test, looks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer.
Read more on cervical cancer
The test checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
In the UK, cervical screening is estimated to save between 2,000 and 5,000 lives each year.
But the latest NHS figures show more than five million are not up to date with their routine check-ups.
Studies have shown that pain and discomfort are reasons women avoid cervical smear tests.
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Other reasons include embarrassment, lack of time, and difficulty making an appointment
Commenting on the survey results, Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women’s health, said: "We know that some women can find cervical screening very worrying and uncomfortable – and if you are concerned, our clinical staff will be on hand to help.
Woman struggles with 'first, second and third hand embarrassment' after mortifying experience while having a smear test
"You can ask for more time for your appointment, for the smallest speculum to be used and to have someone else in the room with you for support – and if the examination becomes too much, you can ask the person doing the test to stop at any point.
"Cervical screening saves lives, and alongside increasing uptake of HPV vaccination, supporting more women to attend their screening will be essential to our ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
"So if you’ve been invited, please do make an appointment with your GP practice or sexual health clinic as soon as possible, and it’s not too late to come forward even if you were due months or years ago – we will always be happy to see you."
The survey of more than 1,100 women commissioned by the charity found 56 per cent of women weren’t aware that they could ask for their cervical screening test to stop at any point.
A huge 77 per cent weren’t aware that they could ask for a smaller size speculum.
Only 12 per cent knew they could book a double appointment for more time for their screening test.
And only 11 per cent knew they could ask to try a different position for their cervical screening like the left lateral position.
Tips for your cervical screening
There are things you can do to help make the appointment more comfortable, such as:
- Asking for a smaller speculum
- Booking a double appointment
- Asking to bring a friend, family member, or carer with you for support
- Listening to an audiobook, podcast or music
- Asking if you can try a different position for cervical screening
- Asking for information on cervical screening in Easy Read or in your preferred language
- Asking for a female nurse or doctor to take your cervical screening
Source: The Eve Appeal
Cervical cancer can affect anyone with a cervix, but it's most common in women between the ages of 30 and 35.
It's the 19th most common cause of cancer death in women in the UK.
Based on data from 2016–2018, around 850 people die from cervical cancer each year.
But it is preventable - regular screening can help detect it early and prevent it from developing.
GPs are also urging women to attend their cervical screening appointments.
NHS doctor and TV star Dr Amir Khan said: "There are many reasons why a woman may not attend her cervical screening, but we do know that access to the right information and support can help empower women to book in and attend this life-saving screening test. Knowledge is power!
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"There are lots of little steps women and the nurses and doctors doing a screening test can take to make it more comfortable. If you’re nervous or scared, take some time to talk to the clinician about what to expect and to ask any questions you might have.
"Remember, it is your screening test, and you are in control."
How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent - and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK
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