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2 Attachment(s)
Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
We have loads of threads about Cervical Cancer since Jade Goody was diagnosed and subsequently died of it.
I picked up 2 leaflets at the doctor's and found the online versions so you can all have a read of them.
They are in PDF format and you can download a PDF reader here...
http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/
The documents are attached.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer
Thanks Nic
A really useful leaflet.
Tracy x
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer
Oh no I cant open pdf's!! Anyone willing to post the main ways of prevention on here?
I am still waiting for my results from the end of January!!
x
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer
Snowdrop - download the free reader then you can open it
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
There's been a lot of controversy about who should get a smear, and whether you should book one at 20 or wait until 25.
I'm 20 and have been sexually active for about a year and a half. I've had two sexual partners in that time: should I book a smear?
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Fantastic idea. Well done Jade for highlighting awareness xx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Anxious,
I reckon its a good idea hun, doesnt hurt and will put your mind at rest.
Can anyone post the general prevention tips in a reply as I cant read anything in pdf on this laptop...it always causes my comp to crash even after trying to reinstall, would really appreciate it.
xx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Im 23 be 24 in July I tried to book a smear after I had my daughter was (21 then) they said i wasn't allowed. I have recently tried and they said im not allowed till im 25 :mad: Its so annoying I just want to check if every thing is ok xx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
hi leeann, im 21 and just has my first baby and they have refused point blank to give me one its disgusting really.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hello everyone , I think the age for a cervical smear should be lowered and to get this done , women who feel strongly about it should write to the
Prime Minister, we have to make the change, i for one will definately voice my opinion to the Prime Minister , i agree its absoulutely disgusting refusing any young woman who would like one, best wishes, love dusky x
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Wow, that's pretty intense that they make you wait until you're 25. Here in the States its recommended that women start getting pap smears at 16 or after their first sexual encounter, whichever comes first. In fact, I have to have one done every single year as part of my gyno exam in order to continue receiving my birth control.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
I just posted about this under "Another Smear Test Question!" Read my response, I feel very strongly about this! I am from the US also. I agree that you girls should rally and try to get this age lowered.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
its a disgrace that this country screens only over 25s! im 22 and have a 6yr old n had to book my own smear and argued my case through the door as they didnt want me to have one yet, im now waitin for treatment to get rid of my pre-cancerous cells! if i waited 3 years like they wanted me to i would also have been a cancer victim like jade goody and probably not here to see my child grow up! the nhs need to lower this and soon, i only booked one because of jade as i wasnt aware of all the risks. shes definitley been an inspiration and in my case, a life saver!
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Honest to God my jaw has dropped open. I had no idea you all had to wait until the age of 25. You women need to unite and fight this for your lives. I do know that in this country the latest they want you to start is 18 and then get one every single year thereafter. My mom is still getting them and she is in her 70's. I'm aghast that the healthcare system doesn't realize that in the longrun they would be saving money.
Laura xxx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
This frightens me too. I am from England and I am 20 and have asked for smears and been point-blank refused. Their idea is that people under 25 often get abnormal smear tests because their bodies are changing when there isn't actually anything wrong. However giving them invasive treatment anyway because they get an abnormal result, when it would have resolved itself in a few years anyway, they think does more damage than good. I can understand where they are coming from, i'd just like the option of having it if I want to. They think that cervical cancer is extremely rare in people under 25. What I also think would solve this problem is if they offered a HPV test. If 90% of cervical cancer is attributed to strains of HPV 16 and 18 or whatever they are, then why can't they provide a test for these strains. I know full well such a test exists. If that comes back negative then they can just leave an abnormal smear to resolve itself. But if that comes back positive then something obviously needs to be done. I am also refused a HPV test apparenly they are only done in research labs or something. I don't understand why they are available in private expensive clinics then?? Are doctors just idiots? I just simply do not understand.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
You can get that Hpv test done at baker street lomdom for £60 ish, I might have that x
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
There are lots of places that do private smears for £50-£100 I have just had one as i am 21 and i waited a few days instead of weeks and it was fine.xx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
[quote=anxious_88;474308]There's been a lot of controversy about who should get a smear, and whether you should book one at 20 or wait until 25.
I'm 20 and have been sexually active for about a year and a half. I've had two sexual partners in that time: should I book a smear?[/qu
ANXIOUS,
HERE WE R TOLD ANYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY ACTIVE SHOULD ALWAYS GET A PAP SMEAR. THEY R VERY IMPORTANT. THEY GIVE THEM EVERY YEAR. SO YA I HIGHLY SUGGEST U GET ONE :yesyes:
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hi
I am 49 so starting my menoparse so bleeding can happen after 8 months then stop again etc. Also if you dont have sex very oftern can this not hurt you when you do get to do it, These are my happening? i go for smeers but my next one is not for another year.
Chel xxx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
HI nomorepanic,
Well,Thanks for posting such a nice article related to cancer.I like article and find link very useful.You are genius as you have create a good awareness among others.I want to add something beneficial to these article.zSB(3,3)Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Because of the Pap smear test, the number of cervical cancer cases has dropped over the past twenty years. However, many women still develop cervical cancer. In fact, over 9,000 women in the U.S. develop cervical cancer every year.
Thanks
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hello,
That is really a very nice comment.I really like your thought for sharing those attechments.We all should aware of cancer and related information.Please be in touch for future sharing.Thank you for sharing the comment...
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Wow that sux, I live in NZ and women here are encouraged to get one from the age of 20, however I had my first at 18. I think it sux that you ladies have to wait until 25. MAybe move to NZ hehehe.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Can anybody reassure me about smear tests? I'm due to have my first one (offered to me, I didn't have to beg for it at 22) and I'm pretty anxious about it. I'm worried it's going to hurt like hell. I've been googling the process (bad idea, I know) and those speculums they use look like instruments of torture. I know the magazines say "oh, it's only a little uncomfortable, it doesn't hurt". Is that true? I know I'm going to spend the next two weeks worrying about this.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
SG Do Not Google!!! Google is full of horror stories. Which will be the case more than good stories as those that have had alright experiences dont shout about it like those who have been unfortunate enough to have a bad experisnce.
I had my first smear 6 months at...im 23!! I decided to go and have one even though i was totally scared. Talk to your nurse when you go in and explain your nervous i am lucky enough to have a LOVELY understanding nurse. I was so scared i had read stories about women getting hurt, or the clamp catching them.
Mine did not hurt, it was enough to make me gasp slightly as it is a little strange feeling but it is nowhere near as scary as you might think after googleing!! I have to go back for my 2nd next week as i have "abnormal cells" but i have also been told this is common in women under 25 as our cervix is still changing!
I hope all goes well for you but really dont worry. I know exactly how you feel i was the same and even with people reassuring me i didnt believe them!! Plus its over and done within 15 seconds :shades:
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hi, this thread is pretty good for info on this.
My girlfriend is 20 and got a "Abnormal Cells" letter in through the post a few weeks ago and she is not concerned at all but I am going haywire about it.
What causes abnormal cells ?
Stupidly Wiki'd "Cervical Cancer" and throws up all sorts of terrible illnesses related to this type of cancer.
Anyone able to help out on this one ?
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Just want to say my friend is 24, she almost died of full-blown cervical cancer 2 years ago. She only got tested because she was going to Australia for a year and her mum wanted her to have a full health check on everything. She went private to ensure she could get the smear test at 22. If she hadn't, she would be dead by now, no doubt about it. They only just saved her in time. She hadn't even had many partners!
If you are worried go and ask your NHS doctor. They might say yes (mine was fine about it and did it there and then). If they refuse either say you have been having pain during sex or something, or go private. It will give you peace of mind.
I'm not going to lie and say a smear test is fun stuff but it really isn't a big deal. It wasn't painful, just a bit... awkward. I wouldn't bat an eyelid about going again.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hi everyone i'm just letting you know i have just been diagnosed with cervical cancer and its wthe worst think in the world when the doctor tells you, but i am letting you know that i didn't have any of the bleeding between periods or any of the symptons they say so please go for a smear that was the only way i found out now i have to go for a radical hysterectomy. All this has happened within 6 weeks so they are acting fast, i just want everyong to know how important it is to have smear tests. Love to you all xxxx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hi everyone.
The nurse in the gp surgery may want to let you have a smear before you are 25 and may agree to do it, but just to let you know that if it is done and sent to the lab then the lab won't test it.
There are so many of us that wish to lower the age, like other countries, but will this ever happen????
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Well thats wierd. Ive been having a smear test every 3 years since I hit 21. I didnt have to ask for it either.
Maybe it depends where in the country you are?
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
I just wanted to say please if you are able to get a smear test go for it. My good friend had worrying signs and was declined a smear test as under 25. Had one done last april aged 25 and found out 2 days after her wedding she had cervical cancer. She went through chemo and radiotherapy and in Jan this year began getting numbness and pain in her face and head and was sadly told she had a brain tumour.
She had a follow up in March this year and was told it was terminal and given 12 months to live. She sadly passsed away 2 weeks later aged just 26. She leaves behind a 4 yr old boy and didnt live to see her first wedding anniversary. :weep:
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
i think it is disgusting, i was offered a smear with my STI test and they found pre cancerous cells at CIN1 (I am 19.) This may be as they claim, just normal changing cells but what if it wasn't? By the time I would get a smear at 25 I could be dead.
I don't understand why they won't lower it.. one nurse said to me because it is such a small percentage of woman who get cervical cancer under 25 it is not worth the financial strain?!? and that it would cause a lot of worry in under 25's if they got abnormal results and it was just cell changes. disgusting. of course it is worth it.
another nurse said to me that it takes about 6 years for cervical cancer to develop that is why the age is 25 because the mean age you first have sex is 18... some of my friends first became sexually active at 13!
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
this isn't very helpful at all.. i have apparently this HP virus, and have had abnormal cells twice and it has gone away again by itself, but i'm worried sick that one day they might not. I'm constantly worried about my health anyway, and reading how women just get cervical cancer jus tlike that in seemingly no time is really scary..i just about managed to forget about it for a bit but reading this has brought it all back.. :-(
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Tiny - it is the official info on it.
Why did you read it if you knew it would trigger you off?
People need to know the facts so they can be aware of it and act early.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
hi, i had a constant worry about cervical cancer, was convinced i had it, it took me 8 years to pluck up the courage to have a smear test, i was convinced it would come back telling me bad news. After all the worry it came back with no abnormalities which was great. But i know all too well how hard it is to take the step to have the test done. Despite my relief that it came back ok i have just moved onto another health worry, it seems i cannot break the health worries cycle.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
i just read a few posts about people who know/knew people who had cervical cancer and have died.... and am now, worrying... i had a smear test last year and im now tempted to have another smear test.... from reading this to have a nose at info etc... ive no worried myself silly :-(
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
I have never suffered from HA but recently a very good friend of mine passed away and now I am worried that I may have Cervical Ca.
The problem she had was a the top end of her body (trying to be subtle) and nothing to do with her nether regions but I am really anxious.
I am due to go for a smear this morning the first in many years (yes I know).
Because of the way I feel I have upped my Cipralex again (I had gone down to 5mg).
I think the stress of my friends illness and demise started me off again.:weep:
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
The age in the States for a pap is whenever you are sexually active. If you had a pap and it came back normal, then you don't need one for two years , this is a new standard. If you change sexual partners a lot, id get one done every year. Also if you ask can get the gardasil vaccine, which prevents the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Both men and woman can now get the vaccine.
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
I've never been sexually active that I'm aware of but I have a lot of these symptoms, especially a very heavy discharge, quite worried now! Not sure if I should ask my doc for a smear, I have taken the pill before but only for 5 months when I was 15 and for 5 months when I was 18/19... worried!
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
IF IN DOUBT GET CHECKED OUT!!
I am 24 i have been for 3 smears and 2 biopsies..i have abnormal cells i am due to go back in for treatment to have them burnt or cut. I am a wimp seriously!! But this is serious and i think people should not put off being checked. There is no need to worry as much as you might, they are lovely and helpful and early detection of anything abnormal can be treated correctly!! I went for my first smear at 23..because i asked whilst having an STD test..i think the over 25 rule should be lowered and people should be allowed to get checked at any age.
Seriously though i cannot stres...if im able to go threw it anyone else can. Because i am not a very strong person and i hate pain etc. xxxxx
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Re: Preventing Cervical Cancer & What you should know
Hi everyone..just thought to share my story..I was diagnosed with CIN1 back in March of this year. The gyno was able to do a biopsy and removed the very small problem area on my cervix..I am to be seen for my 6 month check up on Friday..a little worried about it..but trying to keep a neutral stance on it. Send me good vibes! Thanks.