Cervical Smears for older women
Posted , 3 users are following.
When I moved to this part of the country nearly 30 years ago, it was a 5 year smear test. As I had always had 3 yearly tests in the North East I paid and had one every 3 years alongside my free NHS one after 5 years. Now I am 64 this year and my last test was at 61, I am told I can't have anymore on the NHS. I told the doctor I would pay for one now but I was told not to waste my money as it the youngsters who are most at risk.
?A friend told me she had abnormal cells discovered and treated well into her 60s, so I don't know what to do now.The practice nurse advised me to enquire on this forum, any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
0 likes, 6 replies
susan556 Noddydog
Posted
Noddydog susan556
Posted
I am in the UK Susan, I think the cut off is 64 but because I had one at 61 and it is only every 5 years they won't let me have another one free.
susan556 Noddydog
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Jane2000 susan556
Posted
No. If you get any problems you should get an appointment with your GP and get the problems diagnosed. This is free on the NHS. Screening tests are for people with no symptoms, who are called up for a test to see if they show signs they may be at risk for something. Screening tests are offered during those years of a person's life when the disease is most common and not at other times, but if you think you may have cancer, you can book an appointment with your GP, and get treated for free.
Jane2000 Noddydog
Posted
If all your past smears have been negative you certainly don't need any more. Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which is a sexually transmitted infection. If you don't have HPV you can't get cervical cancer. It sounds as though your friend had HPV from many years ago, and had treatment for this which needs monitoring. You are obviously clear and don't need the same treatment as your neighbour.
It's got nothing to do with the NHS cost cutting. Not all women are the same and need the same treatment. The 5 yearly tests for HPV negative women are more than enough.
Noddydog Jane2000
Posted