Everything one should know about Pap smear test and cervical cancer

Smear tests can save lives by detecting abnormal cells which could indicate the presence of cancer cells – yet one in four women are not attending their appointments when invited by their GP.
Now better known as Cervical Screening Tests, the doctors estimates that a smear test can prevent 75% of cervical cancers from developing.

While cervical cancer is still relatively rare, it is crucial symptoms are caught early to make sure effective treatment can be given.
Around five million women are invited to a smear test every year and while it is personal choice to attend, it can save lives. It really is essential you attend a smear test when invited.

Here’s all you need to know about what a smear test is, how to book one, what to expect and when you are likely to get your results:

What is a smear test?

Smear tests are not tests to find cancer, rather they detect abnormal cells, which could indicate the presence of cancer cells.
Around 90% of tests come back clear – and even if abnormal cells are detected, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer.
The few cases where cancer might be present will be referred for a colposcopy.
 

What age should you start having smear tests and how do I get an appointment?

Women aged between 25 and 64 and registered with a GP are automatically invited for a cervical screening.
To book an appointment contact your local GP surgery or sexual health clinic.
It is also possible to get a check for the HPV virus

How often should I have a smear test?

After your first appointment, a letter will be sent inviting you to your next appointment. The letters are sent regularly, as follows:
Women aged 25 to 49 – every 3 years Women aged 50 to 64 – every 5 years Women over 65 – only women who have not been screened since they turned 50 will be screened, or those who have recently had abnormal test results.
If you haven’t responded to an invitation, your GP should invite you to one again next time you see them.
If you’ve moved house and not updated your address with your GP, you should tell them as soon as possible so that letters can be sent to your new home.

What happens during a smear test?

The nurse should explain what they’re about to do, and allow time for you to ask questions or raise any concerns.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down, then lie on your back on an examination bed, with your legs bent up.
The nurse will place a paper sheet over the lower half of your body.
An instrument called a speculum will then be placed into your vagina, and gently opened inside. This allows the nurse to see your cervix. Sometimes lubricant is used on the speculum, which allows for easier insertion.
A sample of cells is taken from the cervix with a specially designed brush.
The nurse will take this sample from the area of the cervix called the transformation zone. The sample is placed in a vial of liquid to help preserve them – they are then looked at in a laboratory to check for any abnormalities.

What is cervical cancer?

Around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every year. and it is thought to be the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a very common virus transmitted through skin to skin contact in the genital area.
It is believed that as many 80% of sexually active adults will be infected with some form of HPV infection in their lifetime, according to Dr.
However, having the HPV virus does not necessary mean getting cervical cancer. While HPV is commons, cervical cancer is still rare.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

 Abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods

• Post menopausal bleeding: if you are not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or have stopped it for six weeks or more
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• Lower back pain.

• Abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods
• Post menopausal bleeding: if you are not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or have stopped it for six weeks or more
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• Lower back pain.

Why are smear tests only offered to women aged 25 and over?

A Dr. said: ‘The cervical screening programme does not screen women under the age of 25.
‘Cervical cancer in women below this age is very rare.
‘Younger women often undergo natural and harmless changes in the cervix that screening would identify as cervical abnormalities, and in most cases these abnormalities resolve themselves without any need for treatment.’

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

According to guidelines, a referral for women outside the age restrictions who is suspected to have cervical cancer would be considered if they were examined and the appearance of their cervix was consistent with cervical cancer.
To meet this criteria, the cervix would have characteristics that could be caused by many things, including cancer.
If such a referral were carried out, the woman would receive an appointment within two weeks.

Why do women over the age of 64 no longer need smear tests?

Women who have had normal smears until this age are very unlikely to develop cervical cancer at this stage.
At this age, minor changes due to low hormone levels can be found, which could lead to unnecessary further investigations.
Although older women can get cervical cancer, it’s often in women who haven’t had a screening before, or who haven’t had enough in the past.
Any unusual bleeding or discharge should be reported to your GP, even if all of your past smear tests have come out normal.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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