This post has been created to provide an additional forum for discussion, and is a continuation of the old Blogcritics’ Unnecessary Pap Smears discussion. The original Blogcritics Unnecessary Pap Smears discussion had more than 10,000 comments, but the comments were deleted following changes to the Blogcritics’ site.
Fortunately, the comments from Blogcritics have since been recovered and are preserved here: http://unnecessarypapsmears.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/over-10000-lost-comments-on-unnecessary-pap-smears-find-a-home/ This post also provides a ‘part three’ continuation of the ‘part two’ discussion forum that exists on this site: https://forwomenseyesonly.com/2013/09/22/discussion-forum/
Thank you Alex for suggesting the addition of an open forum devoted to discussion on this blog.
forwomenseyesonly 
It is not just with HPV testing. It’s with everything: the medical system just plain doesn’t care about women’s suffering. The most dramatic example is endometrial biopsies (uterine biopsies). They are EXTREMELY PAINFUL. Women scream, pass out from pain, and are left severely traumatised. Yet most doctors do nothing to make this procedure any more bearable. Instead, they dismiss women’s complaints, lie about the level of expected pain by calling it “mild cramping” or “just a pinch”, and coldheartedly ignore or belittle women when they cry.
Adding insult to injury, this biopsy is often totally useless. As tissue samples are collected by stabbing and tearing off pieces of woman’s uterus lining at random, they often miss localised problematic and malignant areas. That is, if cancerous tissue is extracted, then it does confirm cancer. But if the extracted tissue is normal, it means nothing.
Worst of all is that there are alternative ways to collect uterine lining samples that are totally painless and safe for the woman, and are much more reliable, but women are never offered those options. If the woman still has periods or experiences bleeding, the blood can be collected into a menstrual cup and then analysed. That blood would contain tissue particles that came from the problematic areas within the uterus, and thus would produce much more useful and trustworthy results. Not to mention that the woman would not have to undergo any tortures with risks of serious infection or uterus perforation. However this method requires more time, better organisation, better dedication and higher desire to care from the medical professionals. And that’s exactly where they don’t want to give a ***.
And for women who don’t have any bleeding, surely the modern technologies could come up with something too, if only the responsible people wished. But they don’t. It’s much easier and quicker for them to pierce the woman’s cervix with tenaculum to hold it in place, then force it open with metal rods, then shove biopsy tools into woman’s uterus and tear her flesh off from the inside. All the while the only pain management for the woman would be to tell her that it shouldn’t hurt, or to gaslight her that “everyone else tolerates this procedure well”.
Being careful takes time and effort. But woman’s trauma costs the doctors nothing. Boot her out of the door once she is able to walk again after that shock, and move on to torturing the next one. It’s a slaughter conveyor that will never change unless each woman does her research, shares her experiences, warns others, lodges official complaints, and fiercely defends herself.
It’s almost as if traumatizing women might be lucrative, just thinking of benzos and the like.
England finally following Wales and Scotland to screen every 5 years for HPV
Going on to social media now to see all the unhinged “women will die” comments
Oh Caroline they’re ranting so much….as are me and Kiwi!!
Cat and Mouse here. In CA, a new home device called “Teal” has been approved as a home substitute for pap scrape.
Check it out.
Its just been announced on the NHS facebook page that if you turn up for a smear and you are HPV clear then you wont get called again for 5 years. Needless to say there has been a meltdown and it was announced without telling the practice nurses who are also protesting. With less workload taking “smears” then hopefully they can get round to doing ear syringing without referring me to the local hospital.
jess
They might have time to deal with people who are genuinely sick for a change!
Im having a bit of fun! I have started a thread on Mumsnet asking how the English ladies feel about the change to 5 yearly screens for HPV in Women s health username Spittykityy…… Feel free to join me lol
Way to go Spittykityy, great comment https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_health/5353336-what-do-you-think-now-england-has-changed-to-5-yearly-screens-for-hpv?flipped=1
thanks, Sue! Thought I’d try to put the cat (or even the KAT) Amongst the pigeons….
sorry Sue downvoted your comment by error
or maybe not my internet is messing
Thanks Kat! It’s easy to hit the downvote by mistake but it looks like you didn’t. Plus sometimes the upvote doesn’t stick. The votes can glitch sometimes. Thanks for letting me know. Happy posting xo
Oh ladies;! The UK cervical screening programme is really a victim of it’s own “success”. New thread on Mumsnet, a petition from English ladies setting out why cervical screening should stay 3 yearly and a call for women’s experiences of having abnormal cells. A new email address saveourscreening@gmail.com!?
lets all go sign it …
Hi Ladies, I’m in a difficult state of mind right now after yet again having my wishes ignored by family. I’ve made a decision not to participate in reproductive health exams and tests and am told I’m making excuses for not doing it. I’m heartbroken that the people around me won’t accept my choices unless they’re the same as theirs. Help me understand the psychology behind people not being able to tolerate others making different health decisions then themselves and having to scold and moralize those that choose differently. They speak down to me with such authority about how my choices are unacceptable and how I’m making “excuses.”
Cat&Mouse here. Tell your family it’s your vagina not theirs. They can do what they wish with their own. Then educate them about Delphi Screener and Teal. Teal is the new passive cell collector from CA in USA.
Have any posters managed to take themselves off blood pressure meds? I need a refill and have exhausted online services (they’ll only refill for a year which I managed to stretch to two by reducing my dosage). I have an appointment with a nurse practitioner next month but am not sure I’ll keep it as I don’t think I can stomach another encounter with the medical establishment and the inevitable push for mammograms, pap smears, etc.
Judy
Cat&Mouse here. Take an advocate with you. Somebody who agrees and will back you and help you speak for yourself. Tell them you won’t do the 53% accurate pap scrape but will do Delphi Screener or TEAL which recently was approved in CA USA. Both are passive cell collectors.
Thank you Cat&Mouse – that’s excellent advice. The big issue I’ve had at medical appointments is my declining to have a mammogram. I thought with emerging evidence that any benefit is small, and the harms real, that there would be more shared decision making. Instead, there now seems to be an almost hysterical coercion, bordering on dystopia. I guess grown women are not allowed to weigh the risks vs. benefits and make their own decisions 😦
Cat&Mouse again. Make sure you’re getting a digital mammogram if you go through. Take your husband if applicable and insist he be there. He can hide behind the lead screen with the tech. That’s what I did with my hubby. I needed him as I’m disabled. Piss on what the tech thought. Too bad. Let him see what it’s like to have 30lbs mash your breasts. Doctors claim this weight does not increase metastasis but I debate that. Every squeeze a zit?
Another thing. If you have dense or fibrous tissues cancer can hide amongst them. And be missed entirely. Thermography which looks for hot spots might help but what would really work is ultrasound or MRI. U/S or MRI looks at the water balance of cells. Tumor cells have a different water balance than normal cells. Also, there might be evidence of blood vessel formation that mammogram won’t see because it can’t.
Have labs and genetic testing to see if you have markers that make you more susceptible. Then ask lots of questions.
Lay off animal fats and meat; especially that from factory farms raised on mostly corn.
BP meds can be stopped but should be tapered slowly to allow your body to adjust. Some articles about the decrease in parameters and potential risks
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7810411/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6030030/
https://theconversation.com/new-blood-pressure-guidelines-may-make-millions-anxious-that-theyre-at-risk-of-heart-disease-93349
This is very helpful- thank you
Judy 😊
Thanks Cat&Mouse for your informative replies. I actually don’t want any mammogram, digital or otherwise nor additional testing. I have a low tolerance for over diagnosis which breast screening is rife with. I just want the medical establishment to respect the informed decisions I have made or at least stop harassing me.
Judy
Totally agree with you Judy, I’m 100% the same.
Hi everyone, I’ve been posting here for a long time and unfortunately wrote the recent post about family not respecting my wishes to not screen. Anyway, I think most women here are from the UK but I wanted to share an American author I’ve been reading lately that gave us a mention in one of her books. Her name is Barbara Ehrenreich and she’s now passed but was on our side. I’m currently reading two of her books “For Her Own Good” and “Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer.” I’m reading these at the same time so I forget which book we get the shoutout in, but both books are related to our conversations here. I also recommend her c-span interview with Natalie Angier where they mention the obsession with screening and prevention. My comment won’t post with links but if you search c-span for either author the interview will come up, titled: “Afterwards with Barbara Ehrenreich.” I hope some of these resources are helpful. I’m from an extremely high control family and your site is where I originally learned that the doctors and nurses that were demanding access to my body actually didn’t have the right to me that they claimed. I was so sheltered and uneducated (no high school education) that I didn’t know and was of course terrified. 20 years later I’m still reading here. Thank you to everyone that helped me.
hi Anonymous thanks for this! I ordered both books and also her Nickel and Dimed about low wages, this site is indeed mentioned in Natural causes, and what I’ve read so far is really interesting
Thanks Anonymous for letting us know about the books. Thanks Kat for looking into it! I’ve copied the link to the book with the mention:
Natural Causes
I loved Nickel and Dimed, probably my favorite book by her. It was really comforting during my time working as a maid. I hope you like it too!
It looks good too. I love books that are comforting. It’s sad she’s passed on but it’s good to know she was fighting the same battle as us.
There are no recent articles about HPV testing and newer treatments for HPV infections. Please, could there be some.
What I have found out. Most Canadian provinces have moved to primary HPV testing. This is done by a doctor with a speculum and swab. The HPV test is processed first and then cytology is done if the HPV is positive. These tests are covered by public health insurance.
Some provinces allow for self swab HPV tests. Ontario is allowing a self swab HPV test. The self swab kit for HPV is from Lifelabs. IT requires a doctor’s signature to order, the Lab results are uploaded to Ontario lab results database. There is no privacy. Cost is $130. Same type of self swab kits are available in other Canadian provinces without doctor involvement.
I am disappointed in the lack of privacy. I don’t want any HPV or cytology (PAP) result in a government database because then I am afraid it will follow me around like a criminal record. So Then every time I go to a doctor about any issue I will be asked about a bad HPV or PAP test?
I found out there are some less invasive and violent treatments for HPV infections other than burning or cutting off the cervix.
Anti HPV gels and sprays:
DeflaGyn (Europe, Mexico, some South American)
Colpofix (Spain)
Papilocare gel (Spain, Portugal, France)
Gynin’s Papilguard Vaginal Gel (?country)
In trials: trametinib (USA)
All not available in Canada. If I could get a self swab with private online results and some gel to put up my vagina to treat HPV myself, I would be happy.
I used to use some homemade stuff with green tea extract capsules and aloe vera gel or coconut oil. Also we made an ointment with green tea capsule contents in petroleum jelly which people noticed killed off genital warts in a few days.
yes I’m really enjoying Nickel and Dimed too. If anyone in US is interested and it’s available there try Low pay Britain by Polly Toynbee who wrote intro to Nickel and Dimed. The UK equivalent. Natural causes was interesting reading too
Another sex abusing male gynecologist
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/more-than-55-women-accuse-army-ob-gyn-of-sexual-abuse-filming-as-fort-hood-faces-scrutiny-over-silence/ar-AA1QsZYk?ocid=BingNewsSerp
I finally got a username. I wrote about the Barbara Ehrenreich books/interview above. Anyway…today I tried finding a new doctor who wouldn’t make paps/pelvics mandatory. Everyone except one receptionist was nice but nearly all told me I wouldn’t be seen as a patient since paps/mammo are required by my health insurance. They outright told me that the doctors get paid less if you aren’t compliant with health insurance. I remember the days they used to hide that fact.
One receptionist was unbelievably nasty. After telling her what happened to me and why I don’t want those tests she actually got angry, called me non-compliant and called the pap mandatory. What has to happen to someone for them to become that? I left that call shaking. Later a receptionist from the same practice called me and was nice and explained the situation. Doing better now. Trying to find a doctor that will listen. No one seems to have much of a problem with the way healthcare is run in the US or the fact that this is corporate assault, not sure what else to call it. I’m trying to pay out of pocket and see who I want. I would rather starve for weeks than have someone force their way into my body for a better pay rate.
Dailu fail today ladies bemoaning the fact that about 9 million Brits aren’t taking up their life saving screening ‘invitations”. This is all tests not just cervical. The usual indignant men bemoaning they have no prostate screening programmes. I’ve been plugging away
See some videos on YouTube Indigo Jackson “I refuse my Pap smear”.
hi ladies ! Oh dear! It’s official, Tray Bonsai Canoe on the daily fail site tells me I’m a troll?! I strongly opposed women getting screened apparently, but I support black and Asian men having prostate screening because I pointed out they are more prone to prostate cancer than white men?? I also don’t understand, apparently, I pointed out that women with symptoms need diagnostic tests not a screening test, but she tells me by the time symptoms appear it’s probably too late?? So you could have all your smears develop symptoms in-between so what is her point? Sue please don’t kick me off the site for being a troll I promise I’ll behave!
This lady has had a bad time of it , older woman, persistent HPV and had cancerous lesions removed so she’s banging the smear test drum but still….
Haha Kat that’s great! I’m glad you’re still putting up a good fight on our behalf. Thank you!
Ah yes, the old “it happened to me so everyone must act as if my experience was their own” trope. Almost every argument from an individual I’ve seen for screening is based on this.
what do you think about trauma informed cervical screening? Why isn’t a self test available for women who want it? Why are screening targets and cash bonuses still used? https://www.ons.org/publications-research/onf/50/6/adverse-childhood-experiences-and-preventive-cervical-cancer
I have a high number of ACEs and experienced CSA and I’m horrified by this article. It’s all about not taking no for an answer and finding ways to further harass us into screening by offering different ways of doing it ad nauseum. Only at the very bottom of table 5, in tiny print, does it say to offer at home testing. And that is after “offering to reschedule” something that she doesn’t want to do in the first place. If they respected us they would stop pressuring us for intimate access to our bodies. This is all about bending our will to get what they want.
If I was being pressured at the doctors office and they offered to reschedule a pap I would 100% do that and then call to cancel later. Good strategy to stop the harassment. They seem kind of slow and seem to not understand the way we work.
Its appalling Anonymous . All medical personnel should accept No means No. No loaded questions, just acceptance of the no and an offer of a self test
Hi ladies, question..for those in countries that don’t use a database for tracking medical…is there a reason we don’t lie and say a total hysterectomy was performed in the past? I am wondering in the case of seeing a new doctor if this would be an option to avoid pap coercion. I understand it’s a big thing to say however, I need to be able to get healthcare without being constantly terrified. I’m sure you all understand.
I’m not going to lie, that will go on your file and be referred to later if you have any kind of gynecological problem they could dismiss it because you said you’ve had a hysterectomy. I just say no thanks (when I do go to the dr which isn’t often).
I don’t know if I could bring myself to get help for a gynecological issue at this point. I only consider lying about it because I’ve exhausted all other options like finding other doctors and saying no thanks. I’ve been threatened to be kicked out of multiple practices for noncompliance and have been refused as a new patient due to not wanting to screen. I’m getting desperate I guess is what I’m saying. I see what you mean though, I cannot go back on it.
Grrr down voted by mistake and can’t fix it. Excellent advice to just say “no thank you.” A pap is an elective screening test and can’t be required for anything, no matter what they say
Judy
Judy, I had a conversation with my GP AFTER I had opted out officially, and been taken off the list of “eligible women” to be “invited” for smears (I’m in UK)
doc: you are way overdue a smear test
me: no I opted out and signed a disclaimer
Doc: why don’t you want a smear test?
me: I opted out and signed a disclaimer
Doc; but you haven’t had a smear test in 15 years
me; I opted out and signed a disclaimer
doc; but you REALLY NEED a smear test
me: I opted out and signed a disclaimer
brief silence then a desperate doc asked “no? You STILL don’t want to have a smear test?
guess my reply ?
he sighed loudly but gave up and never mentioned it again
This is more similar to what my experience has been and how just saying no hasn’t worked without an argument. Also, in the US paps are done at family practices so you will be having this argument sitting on the same exam table the pap is done on. And not only that but if you followed directions, you will be having this conversation in the buff with a paper gown on top, possibly with a bra on.
its now 25 years, 26 next year , since I last had a smear test. Never had a mammogram either (I’m 61)
My last one was 2009. (I’m 55). Also never had a mammogram.
Depends on the registry system where you live. This is what I have to deal with Pap Smear: 65% compliance=$440, 70%=$660, 75%=$1320, 80%=$2200. Mammography 75%=$2200, and so on. I can opt out of getting letters and phone call reminders but have not yet found out how to block my screening info from primary care doctor. I heard politicians want to ban incentive payments but this has only been done recently for doctors who work in a group practice.
Do you know if it’s per doctor? If so those numbers are massive. It’s criminal and needs to be illegal worldwide.
per doctor per year. 17,600 doctors in Ontario. $$$? Got a drunken late night phone call about how I cost him $1000. Lectured for 20 minutes about how I had to have cancer screenings I don’t want. Please give the time and money for sick people and those who want screening tests.
WHO wants to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030
https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166696
The WHO wants to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. It must be all my fault. I refuse pelvic exams and Pap tests for a long time. I would go for a no pressure at home HPV test but the government where I live says I can’t even purchase one for $130 privately. I need to be surveilled and monitored and hunted to get an in-doctor-office HPV/pap test with a speculum exam. My data needs to recorded without by permission. (Ontario, Canada)
It has all to do with this WHO initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. If you see the article in the link there is a link in that to the global strategy. I just read it. But eliminating cervical cancer by their version is reducing the incidence of it to less than 4 in 100,000 per women year really doing it? It is already 6-7 per 100,000 in my country. Of course treatments for HPV infections also can lower fertility which I assume is also a goal.
They quote that the HPV vaccine is proven effective. Maybe it is what all children should receive. The WHO promotes it for all girls but nothing about preventing the other cancers caused by HPV. Maybe if all men and boys got a HPV it might reduce disease. But somehow the vaccine is only available to adults under the age of 45 years old. Being over 60, I would get it myself if I could afford it as it is $800 or more for the series. I doubt I could get a prescription for it but I might inquire.
What do you think about this?
Currently I am suffering great anxiety as I have to attend a doctor apt in two months for a refill of meds for a serious medical condition. I am afraid this doctor will start pressuring me for exams that I don’t want (pap test and mammogram) and I will end up without medical care if I refuse.
oh dear ladies new year new debate over on Mumsnet am I being unreasonable I never had a smear test and I don’t want one started yesterday already 28 pages and the vitriol is flooding so badly. Thought Mumsnet had got better on smears but no….and the ignorance of some of them shows clearly they’re not in a position to give informed consent to the test!!
Mumsnet is toxic but I can’t resist having a peek at this one!
I loved reading your comments Kat! My goodness though, the number of irrational, passive aggressive, emotional comments from other users are pure lunacy. Do you have any takes on why they’re so triggered by OPs decision and wanting to share? I saw all the usual nonsense. Jane Goody died 17 year ago! 17 years and they cannot come up with a better talking point.
anonymous thank you! I don’t know what prompted the OP to post, she probably knew what the results would be. Smears are an emotive topic on Mumsnet I think all the good little ones trot off and do it for their families and are outraged when non screeners come along. I’ve noticed if I post comments about your likelihood of dying of Cc or your lifetime risk of it I’m ignored. It’s like they have this mindset if they don’t go they’ll die and in a way the programme is a victim of its own success there was outrage when it went from 3 to 5 years testing
on a negative though there is a post from a woman, not sure where she’s from, she says she recently HAD to have a smear test as part of a medical for a new job. She could have refused but they could then have pulled the offer. So this is still happening then. She didn’t say what the job was doing. I remember Jess from here, the pilot with her thorough medical every year, not even she was required to have a smear!!
Caroline please do! I’ve had a few pops; Spittykityy
Love your comments as Spittykityy. Thanks Kat https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5475265-ive-never-had-a-smear-test-and-i-dont-want-one-either?page=29
Hi Kat, Its Jess here. I saw the article on mumsnet, and the hysterial from some of the pro screening brigade. As a pilot cervical screening has never been mentioned in any of my medicals as they are more keen on making sure that you can see and distinguish between red and green (very imortant for reading the ILS lights on landing). They also focus on heart health and blood pressue.
As far as I am aware cervical screening isnt mentioned during the medical the cabin crew have either (its a much less detailed medical than a pilots), and none of the three airlines I have ever worked for have barely mentioned it certainly no panic posters put up in offices etc.
If I went for an interview and they insisted on a cervical screening being taken then I would politely explain that I do not want to work for a company tha coerces female employes into having this test and also ask if male employes have to have a DRE or a “drop and cough” test prior to an offer being made.
Kind regards,
Jess.
thanks Jess! Nice to see you again x
Here in US, the government of the state of MN (Gov No Balz Walz or Tampon Timmy) has recently declared that people can “get to know the culture of Somalians better by knowing about their practice of FGM”.
Thanls Sue! X
the woman in the thread later came back and said she was a partner in a law firm and it’s very hard and exacting work, which I don’t doubt, and that they have to have a medical every year and of something is found it might make sense to not employ if they’re likely to go off sick for long periods. As Jess said, they have the thorough medical because no one wants a sight impaired pilot or a pilot likely to have a heart attack in the air. I would also as an ex Union rep query the legality of this law firm; reasonable adjustments if one is sick (I have reasonable adjustments to help me do my job. ) But as Jess said oh the hysteria in the thread!?
Kat, did she say if was was UK or US based? Solictors are usually very tight with their money and I cant imagine a UK law firm forking out for this
Jess she’s here in Uk
no sorry I checked again she doesn’t say
If she is a “partner” then thats even more interesing as I would assume its partly her company and therefore she is forcing herself to get tested. Digressing had anyone noticed that this week is “Cervical Cancer Awareness Week” yawn….. I havent had any harrassment from my GP nor seen that Garish advert on TV but a couple of colleagues have had a text message from their surguries calling them in.
Jess
Hello – I used to post on here a while ago but I haven’t recently, but I still read all the comments. I am almost 50 and never had the screening and would rather die than have it. I have had 3 letters from the doctors surgery in the past 6 months trying to get me to go. Honestly, why are they so insistent? They are not bothered about any other body part (apart from breasts – no doubt those letters will start as soon as I turn 50 next month). No one wants to screen me for brain tumour, liver cancer, kidney cancer, blood cancer – nope – they only are interested in women’s private parts.
To Jess: yes I thought it must be another cervical hysteria campaign judging by the increase in stories and articles about smears.
To Anonymous , you can opt out of any and all screening by informing your GP and/or the screening services. If you continue to be asked you can remind them under Data protection it’s illegal to harass an opted out person about screening. I agree it’s so annoying. You have an already short appointment made even shorter by screening crap
Kat – I have never bothered opting out, I just bin the letters when they come in (I recognise the envelope) and I am hardly ever at the doctors surgery so am not badgered about it. On the few times I have been there, they always say “I see you have never had a smear test” but I just say that I don’t agree with it and am not having it. It’s not really myself that I am bothered about, it’s the fact that so much emphasis is put on it, but not on other illnesses that are far more common. I don’t like that this test is done on anyone, because it’s mostly done without the informed consent of the patient. I hate that young people are being enrolled into it and the way they always said you must have it by 21 or when you have sex – which ever comes first. It’s like they want women to report in to the doctor about their sex lives. I am telling you, it is all about the control of women and rooted in perversion.
Sorry I can’t see how to add my name to this – it keeps showing as Anonymous – It is Amy.
Hi Ladies, I post here sometimes and wanted to share that I just did Teal Wand at home (FDA approved HPV screening in the states). I can’t have HPV due to my history and I didn’t want to do it but tested to decrease tension with my providers and to protect my access to future care. I think for most women Teal will be totally fine but if you’re menopausal, not active, and never use tampons or insert anything I think it still needs improvement. I had a hard time of it. Inserted it partly and bled a lot when rotating the sponge. It felt sandpaper-like due to me being dry. We’ll see if the results come back inconclusive and I have to try again. I’m a bit concerned about not having gotten enough cells and the sample being contaminated with blood but I’ll know soon and share here. I really need the negative result to be protected at future PCP appointments. Apparently insurance will be mandated to cover the cost of this particular home test a year from now. Just for anyone that doesn’t already know.
Did anyone see Call the Midwife on BBC1 last night? It was set in 1972 and a lady wanted to go on the pill and surprise surprise she had to have a smear. I was shouting at the TV I was so cross.
Jess.
Cat&Mouse here again. This is what else you need to know. Get tested for EBV and CMV. That’s Epstein Barr and Cytomegalovirus. The first is causation for NHL and HL. Plus Hashimoto’s Disease and MS. The second is the largest virus. Both have been found in cancers including cervical, breast, brain, and elsewhere. EBV is an opportunistic carcinogen. It acts via the bone marrow flipping a couple genes. MGUS is a precursor. Especially if it involves M protein. CMV drives tumors in a symbiotic relationship. The tumor prints zillions copies of CMV while the virus makes the tumor aggressive and resistant to treatment and quick to recover.
Both are treated and controlled with acyclovir or another antiviral. Even glioblastomas are now seeing antiviral therapy included.
Thanks for this info. I’m printing it to share.
The nasal vaccine should be effective. Especially if it’s a disabled live virus without heavy metals. The only flu vaccine that ever worked 100% for me was this type.
A couple of Uk newspapers, one starting with the letter Gua_&&&&, has run stories saying it’s possible to test for HPV in period blood, (sorry if it’s TMI). Im sure we knew that here on this site years ago, and they’ve been using that method in poor African and Indian areas too to test, where women won’t accept the traditional smear, or if costs need to be kept down
That’s interesting Kat. I vaguely remember years ago learning about blood in general, not just period blood, being used to test for hpv but couldn’t find anything conclusive. I couldn’t find the link you referred to but did find this: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly90d21qexo
Sue thanks, I don’t know if I’ll be allowed to say but the article I saw was in yesterday’s Guardian newspaper, period blood could be uses to check for HPV. the author was annoyed that alternative such as this weren’t being rolled out and women were still stuck with the speculum
Thanks Kat! No worries, it’s okay to share and I was able to find it https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/06/menstrual-blood-test-alternative-cervical-screening-hpv#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20results%20of%20this%20large,cancer%20charity%2C%20welcomed%20the%20findings
It’s interesting that this is being explored.
Cat&Mouse here. If in 2012 I was able to access the urine based HPV test no doubt these other testing methods existed. Finally, pressure from women who refused the BS pap scrape forced authorities to admit defeat and offer tests which encourage compliance.
To think these idiots still use the word “invite” when referring to the thinly veiled demand that women comply shows however we aren’t safely away from the stirrups just yet.
Cat and Mouse they’re still trying to keep their beloved test alive! The period blood test is obviously, “only suitable for those who are still having periods”, and I’ve seen on Mumsnet and elsewhere that the visual check of the cervix and vulva and vagina is being pushed as an extremely important part of the smear….. So we will still be “invited” lol! And it’s shocking as you say so far back you got the urine test and it’s still not option now
thanks Sue x
We deserve better.
Developments in HPV treatment and prevention in 2026 are heavily focused on
accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer through single-dose vaccine programs, novel nasal therapeutic vaccinesfor existing infections, and advanced immunotherapies for HPV-related cancers. Key shifts also include the transition from Pap tests to more sensitive HPV DNA/mRNA screening as the primary diagnostic tool.
Here are the key HPV treatments and prevention strategies as of early 2026:
New and Emerging Therapeutic Vaccines (For Existing Infections)
While traditional vaccines prevent infection, new research is focusing on therapeutic vaccines to treat active HPV infections and precancerous lesions.
Vaccine Advancements and Regulatory Updates
New Diagnostic and Screening Methods
HPV-Related Cancer Treatments
Hi everyone, I wrote about using Teal Wand above (accidentally in response to someone else’s post). I got the negative result I wanted meaning I was able to collect enough cells. I’m sure the creators of Teal never intended it to be used the way I used it, to barter with my providers to try and escape pap threats and coercion. I bet they would be sad to know I’m using this test to protect myself from coercion and have no sexual history and therefore cannot have HPV. In other words I didn’t use it for medical reasons. Because of this my distress was increased while using it but at least I was alone and in the privacy of my own home. The intermittent bleeding from the test stopped after a few days. I recommend turning the dial more slowly so the sponge doesn’t spin as fast and cause irritation. I’m supposed to test again in 3 years which I’ll probably do.
Hi Gang, it’s Linda. I used to post a lot on here because of my treatment at the hand of the NHS. So much so that i think some of you may have got sick of me. At the time i was in so much shock at finding out they wernt mandatory that i must have been on this site 24/7. Anyway i finally calmed down and got on with my life.
however,
I am really triggered and need your help. Over Christmas i received 3 texts more or less insisting i should have a smear test. I ignored them and deleted them as they were so annoying. I didnt hear anything for a few weeks and thought it was over. This morning i have received in the post the worst letter i have ever been sent and i dont know what to do. It is basically telling i have no choice. It is also implying i will get cancer if i dont. I will try and upload the letter for you all to read.
my husband says i should bin it and forget about it but i am so upset i dont know what to do. Should i write to them. I thought i wouldnt get any of these letter as i opted out a long time ago. What should i do??? I feel very stressed.
i love you all as yiu all helped me a lot once
Linda x
hi Linda it’s Kat. So sorry you spiralled back. And that they started hassling you again. Send an email or letter to surgery saying you’re opting out, and it’s illegal to harass an opted out person about screening. Send the same to the screening authority stating same. Or ring the surgery and DEMAND they stop calling texting writing Orr emailing you about smears .
then go back and read the posts and info on here! Read the book we all collaborated on and remember that thanks to YOU, lots more women have discovered the truth about smears. You have stopped others suffering the way you and us others did. Remind yourself YOU are strong and amazing and you can rise above this. If necessary hit them with a cease and desist letter, or take legal advice if that’s an affordable option.
finally remember we are all rooting for you and thinking of you, and please let us know how you get on. You know they are lying to you about the prevalence of this cancer, you know it’s rare, you know your risk of HPV is literally zero. My guess is, they’re having s###uptake for smear test and they’re trying to get more money out of their patients.
luv, Kat x
and if you want to be “naughty”, Linda, or even just truthful, send the link to the books to the surgery, explain the Linda is your good self, and suggest they read the books and references and actually EDUCATE themselves about this cancer!!!😺
Hi Kat. I knew you would answer. I just felt it. Thankyou so much for reaching out to me. You have made me feel better. I will read through our book and remind my self of what we did together.
I got the 1st text before christmas it was curt and i deleted it. The 2nd came on C’mas eve at 2pm. I fumed all over the hol. The 3rd was very insistant and rude. Weeks passed and i forgot about it. But this letter was on a new level ive not had anything like that before. I will upload it later.
it has made me quite ill mentally. John says to ignore it that he ignores the shingles ones and also the colon kit they send and he never hears anything. They are just trying to hit targets and get money. He says they probably send the same letter and texts to eveyone that they follow a template.
yesterday afternoon i wrote a firm letter and will take it round later. I have opted out many years ago so am unsure why they have started up again. And so insistantly.
i will let you know how i get on. I will stsy in touch. Thankyou again.
linda x
lLinda u got this I know you do! So much years of your life was spent dreading smears and dealing with the fall out. You rose above it and got your life back. Don’t let this programme take any more of your life. I was wondering too why they suddenly started again on you, especially with your age as well which would see you passing out of the programme very soon. I know they’re introducing the NHS app and “inviting” ppl to screening through this app so maybe your info got lost in process. I believe you have the right to opt out of these texts with your surgery. Mine only text me as a reminder before an appointment, if I booked one for my disc disease or anaemia or something that actually affects me!!
Again I got this and we are all here for you! X luv, Kat x
and also point out that even on their woeful literature and on the NHS site it states screening is the choice of the individual being “invited” and you are not “accepting”!!
Hi Kat. For some unknown reason i have given one of your comments a thumbs down. Im really sorry. I have been trying to take it off.
Ive taken my letter in to them this morning. I feel a bit better. I feel free. They should stop bombarding me now.Thanks for your support. Im going to go to Boots and buy a HPV kit just for peace of mind. Tho as Eliz52 used to say im ‘confidently monogomous’ There shouldnt be a prob. I havent thought about cervical cancer for years. Now im stressed out by the whole palava.
I was saved by Eliz52 I owe her and Adawells alot.
It’s ridiculous they are harassing you in this way. Good for you for telling them to leave you alone.
I really don’t know why all this nonsense would start up again after opting out. They’re clearly looking to hit some target or similar but it’s not acceptable to harass someone who has said no. In any other walk of life it’s harassment and stalking, no means no, so I’m not sure why a GP surgery thinks it’s ok.
Hi All its Linda.
I took my letter in on Monday explaining my concern at being contacted to have a smear after having opted out so many years ago.
This morning I have recieved a text from the practice nurse. It reads that although I have opted out,
after you are over 60 one further last one is ‘required’
Ive looked on the net but there is nothing about this. Does anyone know anything?
Linda, I wish I could say the way they’re speaking to you is shocking but no, it’s business as usual and the coercive language we’re all accustomed to. It makes me feel incredibly sick. It sounds like she’s going for one last attempt at coercion. I also think she made that up to frighten you, it would certainly upset and frighten me. Any time those words are used “required” “mandatory” it takes me right back to being a teen again forced into the stirrups by people 3 times my age claiming to be authority figures.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter what they say or how they try and coerce you, screening is never “required” regardless of your age.
Linda they don’t give up do they? But they’re having you on. Think about it. You have opted out. Legally under Data protection they’re not allowed to harass an opted out person about screening. It doesn’t make sense. I’d send another letter saying bog off. You’re opted out but have to have a final smear before your age renders you ineligible for something you opted out of?? It says even on the literature they sent out it’s a choice? She’s just trying it on. And also say you don’t want anymore texts. And hang in there. At the end of the day smears aren’t mandatory. You don’t have to go. As Caroline said it’s ridiculous they’re still hassling you
seems to me it’s a variation on the thing a few years ago when opted out ppl were sent letters “reminding” them they’d opted out and did they wish to reconsider? That got round the opted out thing because it wasn’t an “invitation”. You also have the right to opt out of texts from the surgery about screening, tests etc. I only get contacted by text as a reminder I have an appointment I already booked. And these days I’m literally refusing everything, over 60 health checks, all screening, blood pressure checks, blood tests unless it’s for anaemia….and I’m still here lol
the only other thing I can think of is download a template of a cease and desist letter, and hit them with it. It’s a legal document. You know smears aren’t mandatory, and you don’t have to have them. Informed consent is required for all medical procedures. This could be verbal: yes , I’m happy to have an X ray. It could be a gesture; holding your arm out for bloods. You don’t have to have this test!! I cannot believe the sheer cheek of these morons
It’s Amy here – sorry I can’t get my name to appear in the heading.
Linda – they must be on an extra incentive payment at the moment as I have had 3 letters in the last 6 months from the doctors surgery telling me to book an appointment. I just put them straight in the bin. It’s strange because I hadn’t had a letter for years.
I have just turned 50 and 4 days after my birthday, I got a bowel screening kit in the post. To be honest, I had never really given it much of a thought because it does not anger me the way the smear and breast screening does. What do you ladies on here think about it? Would you do it or not?
hi Amy and Linda good on you ;!! Nope I wouldn’t do the poo kit either…I don’t! I’ve opted out of all the screening programmes . I heard with the poo test it can return a false positives if you’ve eaten rare meat or your gums bled when you brush your teeth. . I don’t know if it’s different here, because I live in Wales now. First surgery I tried to register with here made it plain they’d expect me to have all my health checks so I said sorry to waste your time and left. Second leaves me be. I refuse all screening, the over 60 s health checks, blood and BP checks (I wouldn’t take BP meds or statins anyway) and only go if I really need to. We have the common ailments scheme here where pharmacies can prescribe for some things . I saw one last week for horrible throat/ ear/ sinus problems. Stay strong Linda! Good on you girl!!😺
This drive to increase smear uptake is puzzling, especially since I thought they were moving to offer self testing to those who don’t screen? Though I can totally believe it’s happening. They haven’t realised the scare tactics and bullying aren’t working anymore
Hi Amy. So nice to hear from you. My hubby get those in the post. He doesnt do them. Ive read theres a lot of false positives with this test so do your research.
They must be on a drive to increase cervical screening numbers. The text i recieved was although im opted out because i hadnt a clear screening history since age 50 one was required now im in my 60s before ceasing.
ive ignored this text. Im not worried if i fall out with them anyway theyve never been that good. Will just go the walk in from now on.
x
Hi Linda
I haven’t seen anything about a screening being “required”.
I do know that once you have a screening at about 65, then you are no longer entitled to any further screenings – the door has been closed. This is probably convenient for admin.
However, if you do not have screening then, and decide later that you do want it, then the door is still open. So if know you caught HPV after 65, you have options.
I wonder if there is a drive to catch as many unvaccinated women at 65 for the data/number crunching?
Jan
Hi Linda
There are 2 part to the cervical screening programme the administrative part is CSAS (Cervical Screening Administration Service). They send the letters and reminders every 3/5 years. If you have opted out with them, by filling in the correct form, you will no longer get their ‘invitations’ and reminders.
The second part is your GP practice which is separate to CSAS. They put alerts, recalls and tasks on their electronic systems. The alerts are set to flash up the fact you are ‘over due’ cervical screening when your record is accessed during a consultation or even when talking to the receptionist. This is what prompts the conversation about screening when you attend for an appointment.
To stop your GP practice bothering you, you have to get them to remove all instances in the electronic system that relate to ‘encouraging you to undergo screening. I used the following text in a letter to my GP and it has worked so far.
I have made an informed consent to withdraw from the cervical screening programme.
I submitted the request form on 26/06/2021. Confirmation of my request being processed was sent on 03/07/2021, and re confirmed on 16/07/2021. This correspondence is attached.
Please can you ensure my patient record is updated to reflect this request and conformation that it has been processes and have now withdrawn from the cervical screening programme. Please remove all recalls, alerts and tasks regarding cervical screening from your records and electronic systems. Also please add to my record my wishes not to take part in the cervical screening program, or to discuss any aspect of cervical screening in future appointments, telephone conversations, or written communications.
Many thanks
The link to opt out of CSAS for those of you in the UK is: https://csas.nhs.uk/forms/screening-cease-opt-out-patient/
I hope this is useful
Lou
It’s Amy again. Thanks for your thoughts on that bowel screening. I have been looking into it online and of course all information says to do it and it is a lifesaver etc etc. But they say that about breast and cervical screening too, so you just don’t know what to think.
I know that the anxiety I would feel waiting for the results would be horrible and if god forbid it came back positive, I would be a basket case, so I am not sure I can put myself through it. I also read that if you require a colonoscopy because of it, 30% of patients were waiting over 2 months for the test, which to me is totally unacceptable, to keep people dangling with that stress hanging over them.
If they can’t roll out these screenings and any follow up tests required quickly, then what is the point? It also said only 30% were given the colonoscopy within 4 weeks, so that means 70% are waiting over a month to find out why their sample was positive for blood. Nope, that is not fair to do that to people. It could actually cause severe harm to people through stress and it might turn out nothing is wrong with them anyway. I am in Scotland by the way, and these figures were on the Public Health Scotland website.
Now that I am 50, I really feel when your number is up, it’s up. You always here about people getting cancer, getting all the treatments, but they still sadly end up passing away.
Once during one of my teenage pap smears the result came back inconclusive and they didn’t even care! All they wanted was the screening to meet their targets…until their next opportunity less than a year later. They knew full well I didn’t have CC. Parents and mentors are important, especially for teen girls who are predated upon constantly in medicine.