Cervical screening

Hi there,

Great news for you, fingers crossed for scan results in March.

Yes, same for me with smears. The nurse reported back to GP and he wrote to my oncologist, who advised against smears as he said the fact that we have had radiotherapy completely messed up the results. He didn't feel there was any point, so I don't have them any more (I still haven't been able to stop the letters though).

However, I think people here have had different advice so probably best to check with your oncologist, and make sure you are happy with what they advise.

I did wonder if the radiotherapy we have had would kill the HPV in our systems, so unless we are unlucky enough to be infected again from another source, might we be free of it?  And it might also be worth checking if the HPV vaccine would still be worth having, I think they still give it if you are young-ish.

Hello Coffeequick 

I am pretty sure you will get some different replies about this!  As with what happened with Mrs Vanilla, some doctors advise against ever having more smears but there have been a few who have had it done regardless of the medical profession knowing about their medical history.

I had to go into my GP practice as I had a letter from them telling me I had ignored the test from the Bowel Screening Programme - um, yes, I have a stoma.  However, I have since read online that I should do the FIT test on what I pass into the bag - nobody told me!

What there isn't any doubt about is that pelvic radiotherapy changes both the anal canal and the vagina so accuracy may be difficult.

I am really happy that all your scans are clear, long may it continue!

Irene xx

Irene, I was quite happy with this - it was extremely painful trying to get that speculum in!!! 

Hi Coffeequick ,

I’m sorry that you had difficulties with your cervical screening.

I’m one of those that was advised to continue if at all possible with smear tests. My colorectal surgeon advised me to get one done prior to surgery/treatment & I’ve had another one done a year or so ago. I was lucky that it was straightforward & not painful at all & the nurse said she located my cervix easily & everything ‘looked healthy’ my results came back negative for HPV which I believe is all they test for now.

Nicola 

Hi Coffeequick Personally i would ask for one to be done at the hospital. I havent had one since but i have had an exam i supppose you could call it and i spoke to the gynacologist about smears she said would be best done at hospital as they have the experience and the equipment which GPs dont always have. Xx