Missed your smear test? Don’t put it off any longer

According to NHS data, approximately 28% of women eligible for cervical screening in England did not attend their appointments between 2023 and 2024. That equates to nearly one in three women missing their smear test.

We all lead busy lives, juggling responsibilities and to-do lists that never seem to get any shorter. But it is so important to prioritise your health. That means keeping up to date with essential health screenings such as smear tests.

Read on to discover the most common reasons for missing a smear test, and the things we do differently at YourGP to help you put your health first.

Top reasons people miss smear tests

Lack of awareness
Smear tests provide an effective way of cutting your risk of cervical cancer, but it would appear some people are still unaware of the importance of these screenings. That’s why Cervical Screening Awareness Week takes place every June, to help educate people about the importance of going for regular smear tests. Every day in the UK, nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three women lose their lives to the disease. It’s a shocking statistic that more people need to be aware of.

Finding time to attend the appointment
Managing home life, work life, family commitments and other responsibilities can leave very little time for anything else. Here at YourGP, we have a simple online booking system and we offer short-notice appointments at our two city centre locations so you can pop in when you have a spare half hour. We also have extended opening hours on Thursdays and our Dundas Street practice is open on Saturdays, making it even easier to attend an appointment at a time that suits you.

Embarrassment
Many people cringe at the thought of having a physical examination. But here at YourGP, our highly experienced team of medical professionals have seen it all before. For us, a smear test is a perfectly routine appointment and we’ll do our best to put your mind at ease.

Fear of pain
Those who haven’t had a smear test before might worry if the procedure will hurt. However, here at YourGP your comfort is a top priority. We never rush appointments, in fact we offer extended appointments if you would like some extra time to ask questions. And we always consider your individual needs. You can request a smaller speculum, for example, to make the process more comfortable.

Anxiety about results
When it comes to your health, the worst thing you can do is “bury your head in the sand” if you notice anything unusual. If you experience symptoms such as pain during sex or bleeding in between periods, it’s always best to report these to your doctor right away. They may recommend a smear test to rule out something serious, or refer you for treatment ASAP if something is picked up. Either way, it’s always better to know. We understand that waiting for results can be an anxious time, so here at YourGP we ensure the turnaround of results is as quick as possible. We will send the sample of cervical cells off to a laboratory for testing immediately and aim to get your results back to you within just 2-3 working days.

Past trauma
The team at YourGP understand that anyone who has experienced past trauma can feel particularly vulnerable when attending smear tests. That’s why we go above and beyond to create a safe and welcoming environment for all our patients. We believe in building trusting, long-term relationships with our patients, and we are also happy for you to bring along a loved one to sit with you throughout the entire appointment if you wish to have the support of a friend or relative.

There’s no excuse

If you can relate to any of the issues listed above, it’s time to do things differently. Contact our friendly team using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. A smear test is a simple procedure and we’ll make sure you’re informed and relaxed at every stage. So much so, you’ll wonder why you put it off for so long.