Cervical smear under 25

[karma22]

I\'ve booked on for next week.

Does anyone know (cus I\'m not sure if the doctor said this) if you get treated if they find abnormal cells?

It would be pointless having it if you don\'t get treated if they find abnormal cells surely

[bednobs]

why are yu having it done if you are under 25

[sara3]

you'll have to wait for your results first!

and then it would depend.. mild changes can right themselves in time. don't worry, and good on you for going :o)

[frinster]

If abnormal cells are detected you may be recalled in 6 months for monitoring, or referred on for a colposcopy. This is basically a very detailed examination of the cervix, it is at this point that any abnormal or precancerous cells would be removed if needed.

[karma22]

Okey doke.

I'm going cus I think its a good idea to be checked and from what I have read I don't agree with having to wait til you are 25 so I have asked specially to have one done now.

:-) x

[MissCommando]

I'm due to have one and I'm 22. Had a letter reminding me to go - they do them at this age for free in Wales. Should be the same age all over the country.

[baileybird]

Good girl Karma - very very sensible
and you don't and won't get if you don't ask!
Hope all goes ok - sure it will x

[chazza]

I agree MissCommando, I live in NI and they start calling people for tests from the age of 20. I think it should be the same age all over the UK, as girls younger than 25 have died of cervical cancer, after being told they were too young for the test.

[Sqad]

chazza....I am not sure that a cervical smear would have saved the lives of you under 25s.that you mention.

[pericat]

I had my first cervical smear after 1st child around 30. It was abnormal and I had an appointment but was checked and told to come back after 6 months - after that 6 months I had laser treatment

[chazza]

Sqad - surely if there is any chance then it would be beneficial?

[NoMercy]

I had my first smear at 21 and they said there was borderline changes. They called me back 6 months later, and there had been further changes - so I was sent straight to the colposcopy clinic. I then had to have a smear ever year for ten years, and have now had ten years of all clears. I don't know why you have to be 25 now to have a smear !!

[Sqad]

chazza...maybe......but cervical cancer in the under 25's tend to be very aggressive with a poor prognosis e.g Jade Goody.
Also changes in the cervix may be perfectly normal, but misinterpreted as malignancy and unnecessary treatment started which could endanger childbearing.

[frinster]

wasn't Jade Goody 27 when she died?

and I'm not sure about cervical cancer being especially agressive in under 25, although I agree that assuming abnormal cells are dangerous straight away can sometimes cause more harm than good.