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This week is important for all women; it’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, coined ‘smear for smear’ week on social media by the organisation Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
What is smear for smear week?
This week is dedicated to raising awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of getting your smear test done!
What is a cervical smear?
A cervical smear (or pap smear to our American cousins) is an examination and swab of your cervix, to check for abnormal changes to your cells.
You can read more on the NHS website here!
Why is it so important to get checked?
Simply put, cervical cancer kills. The earlier that any abnormal cells are found, the earlier treatment can start, and the more positive the prognosis is.
In England, you will be sent a letter offering you an appointment a few months before your 25th birthday – you may get an earlier one if you ever have suspicious symptoms. The age varies between countries.
Why aren’t smears offered to women under 25 in England?
Abnormal cells and cervical cancer is statistically very rare in women under 25. HPV is also far more common in the under 25 age category, so a large number of under 25’s would test positive for abnormal changes that would actually clear themselves within 12-18 months, but undergo unnecessarily invasive procedures for these. These procedures can cause complications for future pregnancies too.
However, that said, there is a huge campaign to get the age lowered as women can and do die from cervical cancer under the age of 25. The UK government debated lowering the age in parliament, in response to a petition with over 300,000 respondents and released this statement;
“The best independent evidence still shows that routine screening of women under 25 does more harm than good. The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) reviewed the age range of cervical screening in 2012, and confirmed a policy of not screening under 25s as it has no impact on the rates of cervical cancer in young women, and gives rise to a high number of false positives, causing anxiety and leading to unnecessary investigations.”
Many people still disagree with this, and the campaign is ongoing.
How can I get involved and raise awareness?
- Share your experience of smear tests on social media to show other women that there’s nothing to worry about.
- Share your experience of cervical abnormalities or cancer if you’re unlucky enough to have suffered, to raise awareness of how serious cervical cancer is.
- Remind your female friends & family to get their smear done.
- Organise events to fundraise for charity; Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is a leading UK cervical cancer charity. You can do this through coffee mornings, car boot sales, a sponsored walk/run/swim… the choices are endless!
How will YOU be getting involved?
Are YOU a cervical cancer warrior? Share your inspiring stories in the comments!
Love from Katie. Xx
Join the fun at our Facebook group – Bump, Baby and You.
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You can follow my personal account – @KatieAtBBY
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