Smear tests: women are asked to discuss fears as the test rate collapses | Society

A survey suggests that young women are pushing back the smear tests because of their embarrbadment and worry about hurting themselves.

New data from the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust have revealed that people between the ages of 25 and 35 are also discouraged by the idea that a stranger is examining them.

The numbers show that cervical cancer screening rates for all ages are at their lowest in two decades. Nearly one in three women aged 25 to 64 did not have a smear test within the NHS recommended time frame, ie every three years for women aged 25 to 49 and every five years for those aged 50 to 64.

Every year, approximately 220,000 Britons are diagnosed with cervical abnormalities and there were 854 cervical cancer deaths in England in 2016.

Screening for cervical cancer helps detect cell changes that could eventually lead to cancer.

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust surveyed more than 2,000 young women about their experiences. It found that out of 915 women who had delayed testing or who had never tested, 71% were scared and 75% felt vulnerable. Eight out of 10 (81%) said they felt embarrbaded and 67% would not feel in control.

When asked what caused them to delay or miss a test, 72% said they were embarrbaded, while 69% felt uncomfortable when a stranger examined an intimate place. Nearly six in ten (58%) were afraid it would hurt them, while 37% did not know what would happen during the test.

Of all the women surveyed, 68% said they would say nothing to their nurse and nearly half said they were stalling regularly or not going to be tested. Other concerns of all women were the fear of being judged (18%) or of thinking that their concerns were too stupid or too small (16%).

The charity launches its #SmearForSmear campaign as part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

Robert Music, Executive Director of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said, "Pap tests are the best protection against cervical cancer, but we know they are not always easy.

"We want women to feel comfortable talking to their nurse and asking questions. This makes no noise and there are many ways to make the test easier. Do not let your fears stop you from booking a test. "