A topic that has been widely discussed in the media lately is cervical screening, otherwise known as the “smear test”. There is a lot of information readily available on Google search for either of these terms, but do most people know what it actually is? Even if we have heard of it, do we know exactly what it involves? Or why it is so important?
The NHS website (2019) states that cervical screening is ‘one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer’. The test helps to prevent cancer by checking for abnormal cell changes in your cervix, as well as for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), both of which can cause cancer if left untreated. This is why the opportunity to test early is so important, allowing for cells to be monitored or treated and to reduce the chances of being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Reading this article, you may be thinking that it isn’t applicable to you just yet, or that there’s no point getting tested – but the reality is that if you have a cervix, you need regular smear tests. It’s important to realise that having a smear test is effectively optional – it is entirely your choice whether or not you want to be tested. However, the test itself should take less than 5 minutes and is carried out by a female nurse or doctor – which is also something that you can request when you book.
Essentially, the test involves collecting a small sample of cells from your cervix for testing, which involves a speculum being inserted into your vagina. Imaginably uncomfortable but a virtually painless experience, which is over before you know it. If you’re nervous about the test, remember that you are in control and, if you wish, can stop the screening at any time.
The point of this article, besides informing myself about cervical screening, is to remind you too that cervical screening is optional, and whilst it’s important that we all have the choice, this may give a false impression that cervical screening isn’t important. Why would they let us opt out if it’s so vital? If we’re going to continue this opt-in/ opt-out approach, women need access to clearer information, through louder messages online and across social media, as well as the news, in schools or from healthcare professionals directly. Above all, we need to be more vocal about our experiences with cervical screening to normalise this for other women and those who are yet to be tested.
There are also an awful lot of negative connotations attached to cervical screening, which explains why people opt-out from being tested in the first place. Whether it’s due to the somewhat invasive method of testing or feeling uncomfortable with the lack of privacy, I believe there’s an opportunity to rewrite the anxieties surrounding cervical screening, and this starts the popularised shorthand “smear test”. I have tried to avoid using this term in my article so far, firstly because I think the connotations of “smear” subconsciously influence our perception of the test itself. The Oxford English Dictionary (2019) defines ‘smear’ as something to ‘spread, daub, cover thickly or in patches, with some unctuous, greasy, sticky or dirty substance’ which could not be a more inaccurate description for cervical screening. With connotations such as this, it’s hardly surprising that people are put off by the experience, delay it, or avoid it at all costs.
Instead of projecting these false and negative messages to women, medical professionals are increasingly trying to educate and help, so women as a collective can attach more positive connotations to cervical screening; providing support, explanations, sharing stories… the good and the bad, and even a “congratulations” for having the smear test done. Having the ability to so easily share messages, both in person and across social media, makes this an achievable target – helping to gradually rewrite the fear attached to “smear”.
You might be wondering at this point, well why haven’t I spoken about my cervical screening test? The fact is, the earliest you will be invited for a smear test is up to 6 months before you turn 25, and this will be by your GP via post. If you’re an undergrad reading this article, it’s likely you’ll still be waiting for your first screening. The NHS claim that screening is not recommended for people under 25 because:
- cervical cancer is very rare in people under 25
- it might lead to having treatment you don’t need, as abnormal cell changes often go back to normal in younger women
Note the wording ‘very rare’ – this rarity, however, does not mean that it’s unheard of for people under 25. So, the most important information to bare in mind are the symptoms of cervical cancer, which include: bleeding between periods, bleeding during or after sex and abnormal vaginal discharge. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or feel anxious that you might be, contact your GP as a precaution. And, if you’re nervous about your first cervical screening or have been putting it off for too long, remember that it’s over in minutes, only happens every few years, and most importantly, could save your life.