The importance of getting a smear test cannot be overstated. This is because cervical cancer often only starts showing signs once it is too late. Not to mention that it is an extremely common cancer too. This means early detection and intervention is life-saving—making a private smear test a valuable option for those seeking faster results, privacy, and flexible scheduling.
According to the latest stats, roughly 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed around the world each year. With around 3,300 new cases in the UK annually. It is also the 4th most common cancer among women worldwide and the 14th most common cancer among women in the country.
In 2022, an unfortunate record of 660,000 new cervical cancer cases were diagnosed around the globe. Now it makes complete sense why cervical cancer remains a significant health concern absolutely everywhere!
In the UK, women aged 25 to 64 are implored to visit the NHS for a routine screening every 3 to 5 years. But let’s begin at the beginning by looking at the terminology, causes, and of course, your options.
What A Cervical Screening Is All About
A pre-cancer screening goes by many names, the most popular being a smear test, a vaginal smear, or a Pap smear (famously named after George Papanicolaou who invented it). Developed in the 1920s, a smear test has revolutionised women’s healthcare by providing a minimally invasive way to detect abnormal cervical cells early. It has also saved millions of lives since.
But what is it? In a nutshell, a smear test is a super straightforward procedure and absolutely nothing to fear. It involves collecting a small sample of cells from your cervix to check for cell changes, precancerous cells, cervical cancer cells, infections, and inflammation that may lead to cervical cancer. At the same time, it tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is because HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer. To be exact, approximately 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV. Specifically, HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
While routine NHS screening is sufficient for most, opting for a private smear test comes with several advantages, one being faster results! If you are stressed about your cervical health status, please book a pap with a trusted private practice.
A Quick Look At HPV
Of course, not all HPV infections cause cervical cancer. In fact, the HPV family is a group of viruses that belong to the Papillomaviridae family. And there are over 200 different types of HPV. They are classified into two main categories based on their risk of causing cancer, namely high-risk and low-risk.
Low-risk HPV (like type 6 and 11) generally cause benign conditions, such as warts on the skin or genital warts. High-risk HPV (like type 16 and 18) can cause cervical cancer as well as other cancers, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and throat cancers.
HPV 16 being the worst. It is responsible for about 50% of cervical cancer cases while HPV 18 is responsible for about 20%. Therefore, if you test positive for high-risk HPV, it is highly recommended you schedule a smear test AT LEAST once a year.
Booking A Private Smear Test
It is no secret that NHS smear test appointments can have long waiting times. Not to mention, getting your results can take weeks! However, private clinics offer quicker appointments that work around your schedule, with results often ready in just a few days.
It is difficult not to love and opt for that. If you have a history of getting abnormal results, a private healthcare practitioner can schedule future screenings as needed. This helps you stay on top of your cervical health even more.
Private smear tests also typically come with longer appointments and thus the extra support to help put your mind at ease. Some private clinics even provide advanced tests, like HPV genotyping (which looks for high-risk HPV strains) and liquid-based cytology for more accurate results.
A Look At What A Positive Or Negative Result Could Mean
Your results will usually fall into one of these categories:
- HPV negative: This means that no high-risk HPV strains were detected.
- HPV positive with no cell changes: This indicates that HPV is present, but no abnormal cells were found. You may be asked to return in 12 months for a follow-up test to keep an eye on the infection.
- HPV positive with abnormal cells: Your test found some abnormal cells and you might need further cancer testing, like a colposcopy, to take a closer look at your cervix.
To Sum Up Why Prioritising Your Cervical Health Matters
Cervical cancer is no joke and a cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent cervical cancer. According to the numbers, a pap smear is about 50% to 70% effective at detecting cervical cancer in its early stages. And regular screenings are shown to reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 80% to 90%!
But, whether you choose to go through the NHS or opt for a private smear test, what is most important is that you get tested. Because taking control of your health starts with making informed decisions. So don’t delay and book a smear test today.
Sponsored by harleyhealthcentre.com and diagnosticvision.com
