Love Island star Megan Barton-Hanson, 25, wants to encourage women to attend their cervical screening tests when invited. Cervical screening can help stop cervical cancer before it starts and can identify potentially harmful cells before they become cancerous.
Megan spoke exclusively to heat to share her experience of cervical screening, and also hear from Doctor Anita Mitra aka ‘The Gynae Geek' and author of Your No-Nonsense Guide To ‘Down There’ Healthcare, who has shared some great advice on the topic...
What Was Your Last Cervical Screening Like?
"My last cervical screening test was actually my first ever one, as I just turned 25," Megan tells us. "I didn’t find it painful at all, it was slightly uncomfortable but it was over so quickly. I walked into the room and had a little chat with the nurse about what was going to happen. Then, I laid down on the bed, and the nurse made me feel really comfortable before she did the test. The test was quick - I was shocked it was over so quickly,' she added.
Why Did You Want To Attend Your Cervical Screening?
Megan said: "Because I realised that it’s so important to get checked, even if you’re young like me. Cervical screening can stop cancer before it starts. I've lost a loved one to cancer. It hit home about the importance of looking after the inside of your body, so anything I can do like going for cervical screening to prevent anything developing into cervical cancer, I will. "
What Would You Say To Women Who May Be Nervous About Their Test?
Megan says, "I had this pre-conception that my cervical screening was going to be a painful, uncomfortable procedure - but it wasn't. If you’re nervous, bring a close friend or family member with you or arrange an appointment to talk to your nurse first. Remember, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about – the nurses have seen it all before and they’re trained to make you feel comfortable. Plus, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so having a screening is really worth doing.”
Also, if you feel a bit anxious waiting for the test results – try not to worry. Dr Anita, explains: “It is natural to feel nervous awaiting the results of your screening however, don’t let the fear of finding out stop you from attending. You should receive your results within a few weeks and the vast majority of women will receive a normal result."
If you don't get a normal result, then remember that most of the time abnormal results won't mean that you've got cervical cancer. Dr Anita clarified that "an abnormal screening result means changes in the cells have been detected. These changes could potentially develop into cancer. However, if they are detected in time, treatment can stop cancer before it begins."
Do You Talk To Your Friends About Cervical Screening?
"I spoke to my mum before my cervical screening. My mum and I are best friends and we’ve always spoken about things openly. She reassured me that a cervical screening is totally fine, there’s nothing to worry about. Some of my friends are also super open, so we’ll talk about stuff like cervical screenings. For my friends who are a bit more shy, I make sure to check in on them to see if they've attended, and answer any questions they may have now I’ve been – it’s important we all talk about it," says Megan.
Cervical Screening Tips:
Cervical Screening Saves Lives. Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite and encourage the people that you love to get screened if they are overdue a test. Search ‘NHS cervical screening' or click here for more information. #CervicalScreeningSavesLives
There are many reasons women aren’t attending screening, including embarrassment, fear of pain or not having the time. However, more and more are heading for intimate waxing treatments. Treatwell have launched the ‘Life Saving Wax' initiative to encourage more women to attend their cervical screenings when invited. Partner salons across the country will open up the conversation on cervical screening with clients, driving women to feel more empowered to attend when invited.