Cervical cancer is the most common cancer for women in their mid-thirties, with almost 1,000 deaths from this disease per year. Despite the risks, an increasing number of women are skipping their screenings.
If the thought of having a cervical screening (a smear test) makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Recent statistics found that 1 in 4 women are avoiding getting themselves screened (and in the mid-20s age bracket, the number is closer to 1 in 2). But regular screening is a fundamental aspect of female self-care, so before you decide to put it off for another year, please read our post to find out why.
WHY ARE SCREENING NUMBERS SO LOW?
According to various studies, the following are some of the primary reasons why women fail to attend their screenings. If you find yourself in any of these categories, we have some suggestions.
1. Bad Past Experiences
REASON FOR SKIPPING A SMEAR: A previously uncomfortable or negative experience with a smear test
WHAT TO DO
There’s nothing like a bad experience at the doctor to make us run in the other direction. This is an entirely natural response. A good experience, however, can set things right. To ensure your next smear test is as comfortable as possible, consider trying these tips.
- Speak up. At the beginning of your appointment, let the doctor know that you’ve had a previous experience that has made you uneasy. Talking about it will alert the doctor to how you’re feeling and ensure that they take extra care to make you feel comfortable.
- Ask for a female doctor. Some clinics (like ours) will automatically book you in with a female doctor or nurse, but if you are uncertain, it is always a good idea to double-check.
- Consider taking a friend with you. You are always allowed to have someone accompany you in the room, which can make the process much less intimidating. If you can’t find a friend to accompany you, you can ask the clinic to provide a chaperone.
2. Am I Normal?
REASON FOR SKIPPING A SMEAR: Feeling worried or self-conscious that your vagina is somehow abnormal, i.e. looks or smells “weird”.
WHAT TO DO
In terms of appearance, the only marker of ‘normal’ in the medical world is ‘healthy’. No two vulvas or vaginas look the same, they all have different shapes, colours, hair, and labia (vaginal lips). No one understands this better than a doctor or nurse who performs cervical screenings every day!
- Remember that to a doctor, ‘normal’ means ‘healthy’, and if there is anything out of the ordinary, the doctor is the best person to help you.
- An abnormal smell does not give the doctor a reason to judge you! In all likelihood, there is nothing wrong with you. It is normal for a healthy vagina to have a natural smell (despite what the makers of vaginal hygiene products would have you believe). If there is a strong or unusual smell or discharge, this could be a sign of infection.
If you are concerned about this, discuss it with your doctor beforehand. They will be able to reassure you, or, if, after examining you, they share your concerns, they can recommend any relevant testing to ensure that you do not have an infection.
3. Personal Grooming
REASON FOR SKIPPING A SMEAR: Self-conscious because you are overdue for a wax
WHAT TO DO
The fact that this came up as a popular reason why women skip their smear tests shows how deeply ingrained we are with popular ideas of how we ought to look.
- The only person whose business this is is yours. A professional doctor will not judge you. They are unlikely to even notice what’s going on with your grooming situation.
- If the idea of having a smear test with an unkempt lady garden genuinely makes you want to skip your appointment, no worries! Just put ‘book smear test’ beneath ‘book wax’ on your To-Do list – Ta-Da! Just remember not to book either of them for the days when you’ll be having your period.
4. It Isn’t That Important
REASON FOR SKIPPING A SMEAR: Lack of understanding about what a smear test is, and why it’s important
WHAT TO DO
Read up a little before your appointment to understand more about cervical cancer and what is involved in screening. One of the most reassuring things to know about smears is that they are fast. You’ll be in with the doctor for about 15-20 minutes, but the procedure itself takes about a minute.
- A cervical screen checks for the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix. Through smear testing, it is possible to grade these cell changes and determine how much at risk they are of becoming cancerous. If these cells are detected early, they can be treated before they develop into cancer.
- In other words, a smear test can prevent a case of cancer! So if you are due for a screening, please don’t put it off. It can save your life.
