1. Chat

Cervical Cancer Screening Age

Other

In the UK you currently have to be aged 25 and over to be invited for a Smear test. Do you think this an appropriate age or should it be lowered to say 21 or 18 or lower?

I was just thinking about all of this since yesterday after I was came across a news link post whilst scrolling through FB

It was about a young mother (Alexandra Hudson) who died just recently at the age of 26 .. She was diagnosed in June 2018 for Cervical cancer (I'm not sure what stage)

Initially, when Alexandra first went to the nurse about the symptoms she was experiencing (pain during and after intercourse and bleeding in between her periods) .. Alexandra was told that they were just the normal side effects of the routine contraceptive pills she was taking..

Eventually, Smear test confirmed she had a tumor in her cervix.. Alexandra then had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.. her family set up a Gofundme page to raise money for immunotherapy ..as she was not deemed exceptional enough to have it by the professionals.. unfortunately, the immunotherapy was not working on Alexandra and she died aged 26 ..leaving behind her daughter aged 9, whom she was a single mother too..

I find this very sad 😥.. Alexandra may have been saved if the eligible age for Smear tests were lowered .. and also more awareness to nurses to recognize that young females on contraception may indeed have the symptoms of cancer within them

I know contraceptive pills do increase the risk of certain female cancers .. so all in all I feel the smear test age should be lowered to 18 atleast

What do you feel about this?

Nadiaparveen
over a year ago
What do you think of this?+20 points
Advertisement
Nadiaparveen

*Sorry just to add she was taking contraceptive routine injections not pills

Like
Reply
Ann1984

It does need to be lowered I had one at 20 due to bleeding and lucky I did as had abnormal cells whice they burnt out. Then had one every year for 10 years now back every 3

the only way girls today can get done is by saying they bleed when not on a period yes lying don’t help but they get one.

Like
Reply1
Nadiaparveen

I'm glad you got checked out and prompted with the right treatment xx

Like
Reply
Ann1984

Nadiaparveen

petion to lower smear test On google few were rejected. The new hpv vaccines apparently have caused a lot of youngsters today to get cervical cancer.

Like
Reply1
Nadiaparveen

Ann1984 really didn't know that x

Like
Reply
Nadiaparveen

Ann1984 it's interesting as it mentions that the HPV vaccine covers full protection for 4 of the 11 cancer causing strains .. the rest of the 7 strains not covered in the vaccine shot contribute to around 20% of the cancer causes .. so although the vaccine provides some level of protection, it isn't perfect and so screening is still paramount x

Like
Reply
MrsCraig

I think you should be invited from the age of 16, if you aren't sexually active then you can at least talk to the nurse about the symptoms, how to spot them, what to expect when you get your smear test.

Before the age changed, it used to be 21 in Scotland as that was when I was first invited for mine. I've been to every single one of mine. My Granny never had a smear in her life, she died of cervical cancer when I was 10, my mum had to have suspicious cells removed when she was younger, before she had me, so I always go for mine! I agree it should be earlier than it is, same with breast cancer screening.

Like
Reply2
Nadiaparveen

MrsCraig awareness and tests can save lives xx

Like
Reply1
Chelsea0121

I personally think that the age for smeat tests should be lowered. I only had my first 1 done last year about a week after 25. My friend still hasnt had her first 1 done yet and she is almost 26. She complains that I nag too much its only becuase I care.

Like
Reply1
Nadiaparveen

chelseaturpin bless you .. I know it's better to be safe than sorry x

Like
Reply
Chelsea0121

Nadiaparveen i try tell her this all the time but as per usual she went to uni and I didnt so she makes out its fine and dandy and she doesnt need to go, as she knows better.

Like
Reply1
MrsCraig

chelseaturpin unless she went to uni to become a nurse or dr, she does not know better than you on something like this! And if she did go to become a nurse or dr, then she should know how important it is to get tested!

Like
Reply
Chelsea0121

MrsCraig I agree with what you are saying but shes the type that it goes through 1 ear and out of the other.

Like
Reply1
SusanEaston327

they claim young ladys bodys go through many changes and this can effect the smear results

Like
Reply2
jigsawx3x

Please never feel embarrassed about smear tests it's just takes a few mins and could save lives and yes I agree 100%it should be lowered to an age of 18

Like
Reply2
AgnesFaludi

I think if someone takes contraceptive pills they should have the test because the risk is higher and they take the pills for a reason.

Like
Reply1
Glitterandgold

Absolutely should be lowered. I would say to at least 18. My best friend is a gyno nurse. So she performs smears pretty much on a daily basis. She has mentioned frequently the raising number of ladies they are seeing with abnormal cells or cervical / ovarian cancer in their early twenties. My mother in law is a cancer survivor due to smears. She had no symptoms before her diagnosis. She had to have a hysterectomy & chemo. Nobody enjoys going for a smear but they are so important ladies.

Like
Reply2
Nadiaparveen

So true xx

Like
Reply
Imnotcheap

I know you would not have got me to go at 16 for smere test I'm not happy going at 42. Just before anyone says I'm just immature I had treatment for low level problems (nurse said later unusual for some one my age at time to be given treatment for so small a promlem) then went to Ireland years ago and ended up losing lots of blood and in hospital

Like
Reply2
tracisinclair01

I think it should be lowered. I also feel it should be more often. I feel that it should yearly. At least for women with family history of cancers.

Like
Reply3
Imnotcheap

I thought it was more often for at risk groups could be wrong

Like
Reply
Nadiaparveen

tracisinclair01 I agree so much! Cancer can come in-between the periods of the tests and depending on the form .. it can grow and spread rapidly 💔

Like
Reply1
Ann1984

What gets me is with today's generation they think they know everything and nothing will attack them like with the coronavirus, but are willing to drop their draws but not have a quick examination. Nothing to be embarrassed about nurses see all sorts they just doing a job and protecting you.

Like
Reply3
Deleted41705

I had pre-cancerous cells at 23. And I had to fight to get a smear test done. I think it should be lowered.

I heard that age is based at 25 due to legal age of consent and it taking 10 years to develop..

However this doesn't take into consideration those had sex before 16 or those who were sexually abuse.

Like
Reply3
Imnotcheap

Very interesting although I first had problems in early 20 and wasn't doing anything I should not have before age of consent

Like
Reply1
Deleted41705

Imnotcheap to be honest I dont know how true it is. But thats what I was told when I kicked off about it x

Like
Reply2
AnaMari

Never had any problems but always had been attending on the appointments when I had been called. 6 months after you give a birth you attend again. After my second baby they noticed abnormalities and I had minor surgery a month ago.

Please take the things serious as it might become cancer in 10 to 15 years if not treated.

I just turned 32 years this month.

Like
Reply1
Nadiaparveen

AnaMari ohh I'm glad you've had surgery done for it .. must have been worrying to hear xx

Like
Reply
AnaMari

Yes it's stressful but if we go regularly for check ups for our health in general we can prevent serious issues to happen.

I need to go in 5 months for screening to see how it is. is it OK or no. fingers crossed.

Like
Reply1
Nadiaparveen

AnaMari hopefully all will be good ❣️

Like
Reply
One of the UK's largest deal hunting communities

Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community

Tom Church
Co-Founder &
Chief Bargain Hunter
Tom Church, Co-Founder
Want deals & discounts automatically?
+100 bonus points!
Latest Deals Browser Extension
Latest Deals Mobile App
  • Download our app
  • 1,000+ new deals every day
  • Earn free Amazon vouchers
  • Daily deal alerts - never miss the best offers!
  • Download the Latest Deals iOS AppDownload the Latest Deals Android App
Latest Deals
Disclaimer

The content on Latest Deals is a combination of information submitted by members of the public and the Latest Deals team. Whilst we make every effort to try and ensure genuine, accurate content we cannot guarantee it. Please always carry out your own due diligence and double check the details of an offer on the retailer's own website.

How this site works
  • To cover the site's running costs, Latest Deals uses affiliate links.
  • If you click on a link to an external website and make a purchase, Latest Deals may earn a commission.
  • We allow deals to be shared on Latest Deals irrelevant of whether or not they generate us money. Our #1 concern is helping you save money.
  • If you have any questions about how the site works, drop us a message. We're always happy to help.
Copyright © 2024 Latest Deals Limited
Registered in England and Wales. Company number 10286141. WeWork 6th Floor, International House, 1 St Katherine's Way, E1W 1UN
We value your privacy

We use cookies to help give you the best experience on our website with improved customisation, analytics & advertising (inc. personalisation). You can read our full cookie policy. Please either , or .