4 yrs, 10 mths ago

Reminder: book in for your Cervical Cancer Screening Test!

Hi ladies. I’m going to get a bit personal here, this will be a long one, but please bear with me.

Last year I finally went for my well overdue Cervical Cancer Screening Test (formerly known as Pap smear/test). I booked in to get my results, however then received a call to come in sooner. My heart sank as I entered my GP’s office and saw in bold red text on the screen “HIGH RISK”. I was given a print out of my results, showing high risk for significant abnormality, and referred to the hospital for a colposcopy. I then had to play the waiting game to find out when I would be seen, and I finally got the letter informing me of a 9 month wait. I knew I couldn’t wait that long, as my anxiety was already getting the better of me, so I went back to the doctor and got a private referral. I still had to wait to get in, because typically, the doctor I was referred to was on leave, but I didn’t want to go through the whole referral process a third time. I finally got in around 2.5 months after my initial test, and during the procedure they decided to do a biopsy as there was an area of concern. The cost of the appointment was just under $300, and none of this was covered by my private health (I have top cover). I then had to wait another week to get my biopsy results. Thankfully, the results came back low grade, however I do have HPV16 (one of the two strains linked to cervical cancer), and because of my autoimmune disease and immunosuppressive medication, I may not be able to clear this from my system the way a healthy person can. I will be retested at the end of the year to see if there are any further changes.

Now, you might wonder why I’m telling you this. I felt it was important to share this in a community made up of primarily female members, as I know first hand how easy it is to put off this appointment. I know it’s not pleasant, and I know how quickly time can slip away from you, but when it comes to cervical cancer, EARLY DETECTION is crucial. So, I want to please IMPLORE you, if you are due, or OVERDUE for your test, PLEASE book in ASAP! Please don’t take your health for granted, or think ‘it would never happen to me’.

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Replies

  • 4 yrs, 9 mths ago

    I heard on the radio yesterday, if you’re over 30 and overdue, you may be eligible for self sample collection with a long cotton swab. You need to make an appointment with GP to confirm eligibility and they can provide you with the kit to do the test yourself at home.

  • 4 yrs, 9 mths ago

    I’m hopeless with these kind of health checks probably should get a breast scan too…

  • 4 yrs, 9 mths ago

    Good post!

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    This is such a good forum for all women to be informed and thank you for starting it Lizabella. There are so many changes the government makes, some are good and others are obscure and we need to research more to find out what affects our health. One would think the doctor who has your medical history can identify your health needs, even when you ask, but because I go to a medical centre and the doctors keep changing, and not all history is even on my file, it is a matter of trust. Generally I only go once or twice a year for flu shot and general blood test to monitor my general health, then ask what tests I should have. I learn more from others, non medical, then ask the questions. I have had to increase my calcium and vitamin D through tablets but now find out that this causes other problems, especially with heart. Trying to keep healthy is so difficult if the doctor doesn’t understand your needs and best interests.

    • 4 yrs, 9 mths ago

      Hey, this is weird. I wrote a lengthy reply to this post about a week ago, Am, yet it seems it didn`t post!

      I`m on calcium, iron & vitamin D – at my doctor`s request – & she tests my levels for these whenever I have my routine blood tests for thyroid disease. I`m on a rather high dosage of Vit. D, but it`s the dosage that keeps me within the normal blood range.

      When you have your next blood test, request your calcium, iron, cholesterol & vitamin D levels, too. You should probably also test for diabetes. Many diabetics don`t know they`re diabetic! Add on anything that runs in your family or has affected you in the past.

      My doctor is great! She`s at a small medical centre, but I always ask for her by name & she`s got my medical history on file (computerised). She wasn`t on when I had to go in for a tetanus shot once; however, the doc I saw had access to all my details. When I saw my doctor next, she could see from my file that I`d been in for a tetanus shot.

      I live in the inner-city (Sydney), so I`ve got many bulk-billing doctors within walking distance. If I had to find a new doctor, I wouldn`t have much of a problem. Do you live in a remote area? Can you find another doctor within a decent travelling distance? YOU NEED TO GET YOURSELF A COMPETENT DOCTOR YOU TRUST! I hope you can find a new doctor, Am!


      [EDIT] I just remembered that at a previous address, I used to go to a large medical centre. Some of the doctors were a waste of time, but one was very good! I requested him whenever I made an appointment. So, some medical centre doctors can be good!

      • 4 yrs, 9 mths ago

        Thank you for your comment. Yes, medical centres have good and not so good doctors. When I get my blood tests they do all the tests including the Vit D and cholesterol and sugars. Generally I am healthy, luckily, but do have to now take calcium & Vit D supplement just because of my age and bone density test even though I haven`t actually broken any bones except spinal damage due to accident. I am reluctant on the calcium supplement due to the potential for heart problems, but keeping an eye on that too and try to maintain a good diet. Still haven`t had my `other` test yet as I have had other things to deal with and I always seem to find time for myself last. Hoping tomorrow morning will work for me this week for that.

        I think the doctors at medical centres can be really tested by some patients who go in all the time and they can become complacent if you appear to have a good medical history. Asking the right questions gets results, sometimes, but knowing what to ask when you feel fine can be an issue so I ask after my friends discuss certain `old age issues`.

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    its all very interesting, esp because the pap smear use to pick up cervical changes which doesn’t exist in Australia anymore… this cervical screening only picks up hpv and lesions….

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    this is interesting to note

    Can you get cervical cancer without having HPV?
    Yes, however, it is extremely rare. HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers. It is not clear what causes the rare forms of cervical cancer. Neither the Pap test or the Cervical Screening Test can detect types of cervical cancer unrelated to HPV.

    At any age, it is important if you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding discharge or pain during sex that you see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    Is this because the screening has changed? It only changed recently….its now called cervical screening test not pap smear. ..

    as per gov aus website…it is only every 5 years if normal

    “two yearly Pap test for people aged 18 to 69 has been replaced by a five yearly human papillomavirus (HPV) test for people aged 25 to 74. People are due for their first Cervical Screening Test at the age of 25 or two years after their last Pap test. The changes include:

    a more accurate Cervical Screening Test has replaced the Pap test

    the time between tests has changed from two to five years

    the age at which screening starts has increased from 18 years to 25 years, or two years after the last Pap test if the Pap test was done at the age of 23 or over
    people aged 70 to 74 years will be invited to have a Cervical Screening Test.”

    ho do you get cancer cervical from other causes? as mentioned…

    • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

      ray_jay, I know that as part of the cervical cancer screening test, the doctor also looks for visible lesions, as well as abnormal growths etc (according to my doctor, and the report I was given). There are other risk factors like smoking, or family history of cervical cancer. Also, you can contract HPV but not have it show up until many years later, plus if you haven`t had the new test that specifically tests for HPV, you may not know if you had/have it (as previous pap smear test tested for cell abnormalities). HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer though, yes.

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    Good luck with everything Lizabella, getting a pap smear just popped into my head the other day. I really should head down and get one done.

    Can’t believe you have top insurance cover and it wasn’t covered!

    • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

      Thanks Khajiit! Yes, definitely book in!
      I know right! Not a cent. I`m lucky my parents offered to pay, as being off work I couldn`t have afforded it myself, but it really made me think about other women in my situation who simply don`t have the finances or anyone to assist financially. I know I could have waited to get in to the public hospital for free, but a 9 month wait means I would have been stressed and worried that whole time.

      • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

        I cannot believe how much I have to pay every month and mine is only single cover. I admit, it`s good because I do have dental, eyes, physio, acupuncture a lot but still…….it`s so expensive. I can see why people will pull out but with my medical history I can`t afford to not be in BUPA.

        A friend of mine has just been in hospital and it would have cost them $40,000 all up but with their health fund, they have only had to fork out $600 so they are really happy but she says, they pay a lot to get it.

        I have another friend who refuses to pay into a Health Fund and just goes the public hospital way to have any operations done. I have to say though, some of the drs she has had, I would have backed away from. She has good ops and bad ops.

      • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

        Same here jatz, I would never not have cover. Even being unemployed, it`s non negotiable for me, as I have an autoimmune disease, and I have spent many months in hospital, many different treatments etc, and I need to be able to choose my own surgeon /specialist/have my own room etc. I also had to have surgery on my spine, and although I was out of pocket around $1k, I was able to choose my surgeon, and get in immediately instead of on a wait list.
        I have a friend who doesn`t have cover, and she`s been on the waiting list for sinus surgery for over 3 years now.

      • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

        Thank you Lizabella for sharing your story. I regularly get my `pap` test and regularly combine this with a blood test. Last time I had a blood test I asked the doctor about having my pap at the same time and he said `you don`t need this done this time`. One week later I received a government letter saying I was `overdue`. Yes, I was right, perhaps doctors are becoming too complacent, and if this further investigation isn`t covered by Medicare, then that just shows where the importance of women`s health and the government stand, shameful! The delay in getting further testing is also shameful. Women at high risk cannot afford the wait. I too have friends who had to have hysterectomies at a very early age, and in the past I have also had some irregularities. Even when I returned to the doctor he questioned why I wanted to get this done even though the letter said it was overdue. I had to tell him I had irregularities in the past just to get request to get tested. So stressful just to get there. Hate to find out if there is a problem though, fingers crossed. I am retired, no private health cover and exist on age pension. No funds for private fees here.

      • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

        What? OMG, Am! I`d be off to find a new doctor! That`s outrageous!

        So he sent you off somewhere to have it done, instead of doing it himself? I hope you get the all-clear, Am!

      • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

        Wow, I can`t believe your doctor told you not to get it done! Mine kept gently reminding me it was time to book in, and reminded me I can use a female to feel more comfortable etc. Fingers crossed for you that the test comes back clear!

      • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

        Yes, with my health problems I really need to have the Specialist that I can feel comfortable with.

        OMG…being on a waiting list for over 3 years…..brutal.

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    Wow! So sorry to hear about this Lisa! Hope your body manages to fix all this!

    I never heard of this thing until early my 30s when I was about to undertake a big journey around the world. So my GP said: let’s do complete check up and scheduled this test also (decade ago now). I was surprised and asked why I need this at all? Well, went for curiosity sake. And since never again. With my lifestyle, really no need

    • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

      “”With my lifestyle, really no need””

      I agree with Lizabella`s comment! Every woman needs to do this! Even virgins can get cervical cancer – although, their risk is much lower. Not all cervical cancers are due to HPV. I hope you consider getting this done, Yohanna!

    • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

      Thanks Yohanna!
      All women (with cervixes) should be regularly tested, even if you`re no longer sexually active, or have had the all clear in the past, as you can still get cervical cancer without having HPV. The test is only required every 5 years now 🙂

  • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

    OMG…that would have been so scarey seeing the High Risk Lizabella – I couldn’t have waited so long for the test either so I am glad you got in sooner than later.

    Thankfully, I have never had to have the cervical test since I was in my mid 30s but it is so important to have the checks. I’ve lost friends and relatives because they couldn’t be bothered. If it is caught quicker, you will certainly save a lot of heartache.

    I am in top cover with my health insurance and it always amazes me when some important tests are not covered. It just does not make sense.

    • 4 yrs, 10 mths ago

      It was scary jatz! Especially because my mind automatically assumed the worst. We have a history of cervical cancer in the family, so I was convinced the further testing was going to confirm my worst fears! Very thankful that it`s been caught so early, and that the cell changes are only low grade. Fingers crossed that it doesn`t progress any further!

      I know! I would never go without private health, but sometimes I do get frustrated. I understand that not everything can be covered, but I`ve been let down a few times now.

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