Smear test?

one of my friends keeps going on about how every woman should get smear tests as it's likely to show signs of cancer very early on and prevent you becoming really, really ill... does anyone know if this is true? Cancer runs in my family, so i'm guessing i should be tested, but surely i'm kind of young to be tested for this? i'll be 18 in March. if anyone could let me know if there's any real point to this at my age i'd be grateful for the help :smile:

Reply 1

Pippi

You should ave a smear test done once ayear and yes it does spot any problems early on and get the right help before it is too late. Also if you are in a sexual relationship this is a must, helps spot things you may not be aware of.

Reply 2

Mrs_F

15

I had to have my first smear test when I was 20, however the age has now been put up to 25 as it can cause unecessary stress for young women.

If you are sexually active and worried about it, you can go and see your nurse and she will advice you further on the matter. But as the age has been moved to 25, I wouldn't worry yourself about it just yet.

Reply 3

miss_buttercup

i think the age for smear tests has recently increased from 21 to 25 so you won't be asked to attend an appointment for a few years yet. If you do have any concerns ie it runs in the family you could book an appointment with the nurse, if she thinks it'll help shel perform it, if not she can explain why and give you guidance on what to look for. x

Reply 4

lizziegee

You might have to begin having regular smear tests sooner given your family history. If I were you I would go and have a chat with the nurse at your local surgery, she will be able to advise you better than me because I"m not a qualified nurse.......... not yet anyway. Hope this helps???? :smile:

Reply 5

JackieS

11

Pippi

You should ave a smear test done once ayear and yes it does spot any problems early on and get the right help before it is too late. Also if you are in a sexual relationship this is a must, helps spot things you may not be aware of.

every 3 years I think not 1

Reply 6

Segat1

16

I was always taught that as soon as you are sexually active you should have smears done.

I've had one every year as a matter of course. But then, this was in Australia where they health system is somewhat different.

I've had abnormal cells caught and had to have further exams - luckily ok now. So have many of my friends. One had her test done at 18 and she had pre cancerous cells, but these were caught early. I was told by my doctor before I left Ausralia that I should have one once a year from now on. If you feel you're more succeptible to it I would recommend you talk to your doctor and see if you can get them done at a younger age.

I would have thought you'd be encouraged to have them more often, rather than less.

I'd rather be overly paranoid than have cervical cancer.

Reply 7

tritogeneia1

1

I was under the impression that there is no point in having them done unless you are sexually active, as the HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer and you wouldn't have got that unless you've had sex. I could be wrong though...maybe worth doing something if you have had sex but otherwise not worth it?
I'm sure I'm talking rubbish here!

Reply 8

pinkismycolor

it's good to have it done eventually but if your not sexually active it will hurt alot more than it might otherwise. sometiems it's still good to have it done as a check up even if you're a virgin but they said very very very rarely does anything show up through a smear. usually if you are a virgin and at all worried they will conduct an ultrasound (not as bad) and made sure you're okay. i'd say get a check to be safe at least soon.

Reply 9

BexTait

1

Although if you are resident in Wales the age for smear tests is 20.

Smear test?

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