Research has revealed that ONE-THIRD of women bypass smear tests within the timeframe recommended for their age out of embarrassment.
Screenings for cervical cancer are at a 20-year low in the United Kingdom, with a survey revealing that young women are putting tests off because they don't know what to expect.
Cervical screenings are imperative for picking up abnormal cells which could potentially lead to cancer down the line. In England alone, there were 854 deaths in 2016.
Smear tests aren’t easy for everyone, but they can prevent cervical cancer. This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, share your #SmearForSmear with a tip or word of support so that more people feel in control and confident to book their appointment https://t.co/IRSA754Fmx pic.twitter.com/5s12gMeAYo
— Jo's Trust (@JoTrust) January 21, 2019
Around 220,000 British people who identify as women are diagnosed with cervical abnormalities every year, which shows just how crucial these screenings are.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has claimed, using newly analysed data, that 71 percent of women who have not been tested are scared of the procedure, with 75 percent of people feeling vulnerable.
67 percent said they wouldn't feel in control during the screening, and a whopping 81 percent said they felt embarrassed. Of those who delayed or missed a test, 69 percent stated the reason was discomfort about a stranger examining them.
According to The LGBT Foundation, 17.8 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual women and people with a cervix have never been for a smear test.
67% of young women feel body conscious at their #SmearTest. Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable in terms of what your wear and if you choose to shave, but remember the nurse is just concerned with doing the best test possible #SmearForSmear pic.twitter.com/SVUKNAZeaH
— Jo's Trust (@JoTrust) January 24, 2019
Nearly six in 10 were scared that the screening would cause them pain, while 37 percent were unsure of what would happen during the test. Of all the women surveyed, 68 percent wouldn't tell a nurse about their fears and anxieties.
Almost half of the women said they regularly delayed tests such as these. 18 percent also projected their concerns over being judged, despite the fact that there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about.
Whether it's about feeling self-conscious over your body or appearance, every doctor and nurse has seen it all before and are only there to help you. It also totally acceptable to request for a woman to perform the exam.
There will be a debate between MPs regarding lowering the age of smear testing to 18. A petition to lower the age for cervical cancer screenings has garnered more than 130,000 signatures online.
MPs will debate lowering the age of first smear test from 25 to 18 on Monday in a bid to reduce deaths from #CervicalCancer. #CheersForSmears #Cancer #Health @JoTrust https://t.co/mvKPgLLfr3
— Shaun Wooller (@shaungw) January 24, 2019
Natasha Sale, who had been diagnosed with metastatic cervical cancer, began the petition to lower the age from 25; "to enable all women to detect cell changes and prevent cancer".
"If I can do anything with my life I want to make this change happen. It's too late for me but it's not too late for the next generation of young ladies," she wrote.
For those who have uncertainties, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust have released a handy guide to take you through what will happen on the day. Knowledge is power, as Theresa May said, this short procedure can save lives.
The charity are launching its #SmearForSmear campaign today as part of cervical cancer prevention week.
