General Chat

Linda, how did you get involved with that? Its something I'd be interested in. Is there a particular age of women theyre looking for?

Glad that you're ok Cara.

I had a scare last month, was told that I had cancer of the cervix, then told 2 weeks later that there had been a mistake. I didn't have cancer after all.

I was one of the lucky ones, although I was too annoyed to see that at the time. You're right, it does make you look at things differently.

Cara,
take care of yourself, and thanks for this post, every woman should take what ever test is offered to them, only wish my daughter would.

Maggy, so glad everything was ok with you. I can understand how annoyed you must have been because it is scary when you are waiting for the news and then for them to get it wrong.
Cara x

Bellblair please make sure your daughter goes xxxx

Very Important,,,,GO,

If the worst should happen,you'd be screaming for medical help all to often to late for anything of a remedy,,,,,,,,

AND THIS APPLIES TO THE MEN ASWELL<<Keep checking,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ellan, you should get your result whether it is clear or suspect.

I get a call,,,,from docs ,,,,if not right or need re-do then by letter ,ours do anyway,,,but you can always ring after about 2 weeks for any news,,,,

they should send you a letter whether it is clear or not. i have always got a result letter and thankfully they have always been clear

Romany I had a letter from the hospital soon after I had a mammogram saying they were looking for volunteers and I attended an appointment along with others.... a general chat followed by a blood test and a questionnaire to fill in.

Basically we were told we would be divided into three groups

Group 1 no follow up
Group 2 an annual blood test
Group 3 annual ovarian scan

On first appointment for that given the choice of external or internal scan. I chose internal.

Each year we are recalled mine is due Sept/Oct. I am in the North Wales Trial

It is run by UKCTOCS you have to be aged between 50-74 and post menopausal.

I haven't got a phone number but address is

Institute of Womens Health
Maple House
149 Tottenham Court Road
London W1T 7DN


Hope that helps.

Linda x

Thanks Linda. Im not old enough unfortunately yet, but hopefully in the not too distant future there will be some kind of gynae trial I can help with! :-)

I have just got my letter today, so shall be ringing for my appointment tomorrow.
Wendy.xxxx

Just thought at what age are you supposed to have mammograms please.

Hopefully more people will take part thanks for that Linda.

Cara x

You should be offered your first as soon as you are 50 Wendy.

Linda x

Oh thanks Linda, i am 52 soon and not been offered one yet.
Wendy.xxx

Wendy

Do you have the mobile units that come round in your area? If so you will be called when they are next due, otherwise ask at your surgery.

Linda x

Cara

You had a close call there hun - hope you make a good recovery.

I had two abnormal results last year - ended up having to have laser treatment........

I now have to have a smear every year for the next 10 years - not pleasant but a small price to pay xxx

My smear is due so I guess I should get my finger out, so to speak! Why do I always get the letter the day I get back from holiday?

Can I just warn you all DO NOT PANIC if you are recalled after your smear. In about 1 case in 10 the cell sample that is taken isn't big enough. A recall does NOT mean you have pre cancerous cells.

When I had my 2nd smear I was recalled. The letter didn't explain why and I was terrified that something was wrong. It turned out that the slide was "contaminated" and so couldn't be checked.

Cara, i agree 100%, a smear test saved my life just over 10 years ago. A small test for such an important result.

Sorry you have had to have such a tough op, but it's great to hear you are all clear now.

I am now on 3 yearly check-ups after 6 monthly, then yearly, for 7 years, such a great feeling.

My daughter is 22 and i have nagged her to go for a smear, when she finally agreed the dr refused to do one until she turns 25!! despite the fact there have been three cases of cervical cancer in my family.......i was not happy but they won't budge on the age policy.

Could she not join a different surgery Yvette, or pay for a private smear - although I know she shouldnt have to. I was offered one when I turned 20, although I was living in Oxfordshire, so its a postcode lottery.