I’m scared to have my first smear

Sounds really silly I’m 27 and feel scared to have a smear I have booked in for next week. Iv convinced my self I have cervical cancer all thanks to googlecancer runs in my family (not cervical) my brother aged 12 died from nuroblastoma my dad had a tumor in the liver and my granny had bowel cancer am I high risk?? I have 3 young children 9,4,2 and am petrified I no that it can be treated and it’s better me getting checked but I’m scared beyond belief I suffer with bipolar and it’s not helping I don’t seem to have any of the symptoms although I do have discharge between periods sorry to ramble on don’t like talking to my family as they will worry just want a bit of reassurance

thanks for listening xx

  • Hello Worrywart1991,

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. I think you are aware yourself that you are probably feeling anxious about this because of your family history and as a result of having spent a significant amount of time on Google which as you know can be an unreliable source of information and often makes us worry even more. 

    You are doing the right thing though in going to your first smear test. Even if you are nervous, it is important to go for regular screenings as it is the best form of prevention against cervical cancer. Find out more about cervical screening on this page  which I hope will reassure you and answer any questions you may have. If you have any other questions, feel free to give our nurses a call on 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    I hope this helps and best of luck for your appointment.

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator