19 out of 20 smear tests return normal results. Of the 1 in 20 where the result is not normal, a huge majority of women don't have cancer, but may have a condition that requires treatment as it might become cancer in the future (and we're talking years in the future, not weeks).
Out of 2000 smears, on average only 1 will turn out to be actual cancer.
The thing to remember is going for a smear test does not cause a problem in itself. IF anything shows up, and it's a big if, it can be dealt with at a very early stage. The foolish thing to do is not go and hope for the best. A smear test is offered as an early warning, and as telemando reports, stats are very much in your favour of nothing being found.
Please try not to worry. Enjoy the summer (unless you hate the sun, like I do!)
I just can't help thinking that something is wrong seeing I've left it 2 years before booking the appointment I should have had it at 25 but I just kept leaving it now I'm wishing I hadn't.
Your risk as an individual hasn't changed by missing the test, and you'll probably be surprised to know that it's lower than you might expect. At your age, only 3 women in 10,000 are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Across the whole country, that's about 400 women who need to be found and treated each year, but for an individual woman, the risk isn't very high.
So, have your test and the odds are overwhelming that you'll be in group of 9,997 women, not the group of 3. But if you are, well it's still been caught far earlier than if you hadn't had the test at all.
I'll let you know when I know. My friend who was 24 at the time had cervical cancer had a hysterectomy and now has the all clear so far she has 2 children and now she'll never have a child again I don't want that to be me.
Hi, I’m 26 I haven’t had my smear test as I put it off but I’ve had a child within the last 2 years and iM booking it tomorrow im scared as well but I’m more scared to find out if I have cancer or not try not to worry... better safe than sorry.. I want to make sure my health and my body is okay I do not want to be suffering with cancer so I’m gna get checked so should you
I'm 29 and I missed the appointments trying to find all types of excuses. I will try to make an appointment as soon as possible. I hope it will not be too late.
