Breast Cancer Screening
Bowel Cancer Screening
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Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
Learning Disability Checks
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If a clinician asks you to bring a sample into surgery, whether this be urine (wee), faeces (poo), sputum (rubbish that you cough up from your chest) or nail clippings, these need to be handed into the surgery in the correct bottles before 11am in the week. No samples are taken over a weekend.
Please ask at reception for a sample bottle and bag, and remember to include your paperwork when dropping off your sample.
Blood tests can be done at the surgery for over 65s. If you are under 65 you will need to visit one of the outreach clinics. There are appointment only and walk in clinics available in various locations, please ask at reception for a leaflet.
X-rays can be done using the walk in service at Cobridge or the Haywood hospital, occasionally you will be given a form for this but usually the request is completed online and you just need to turn up.
Cervical Screening and Screening Information for Trans People
Please click on the following links for leaflets
Cervical Screening - Helping you decide
Screening for Trans and Non Binary People
Myths and Facts about Cervical Screening
As with other aspects of cervical cancer, there’s a lot of misinformation about screening. Here are some of the common myths you may have heard.
Is screening a test for cervical cancer?
No. Cervical screening is a test to prevent cancer. It looks for conditions that may lead to cervical cancer, which can be detected years before cancer develops.
“Cervical screening looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus or Human papilloma virus, which is linked with nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Sometimes, high-risk HPV can go on to cause changes in the cells lining the cervix. Eventually, this may lead to cervical cancer. Screening aims to find HPV and cell changes a long time before cervical cancer develops. If you don’t have HPV, your risk of cervical cancer is very low. If someone has HPV, the sample will be checked for cell changes. And if these are found, they may need further testing and possibly treatment.”
Does cervical screening check for other types of cancer?
No. 1 in 5 people mistakenly believe cervical screening can detect ovarian cancer – we’ve also had people asking whether it checks for sexually transmitted infections, which it doesn’t. It is also important to know that having cervical screening doesn’t protect against other cancers or conditions, so you still must be aware of risk factors and gynaecological symptoms.
Does cervical screening really reduce cervical cancer risk?
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent HPV. Condom or dental dam use doesn’t give complete protection and, while the HPV vaccine greatly lowers risk, it doesn’t protect against all types of high-risk HPV.
Is cervical screening painful?
Many women and people with a cervix don’t find cervical screening painful. However, we know that some do find it painful, so it’s important to acknowledge this and if want to attend cervical screening but find it painful, there are adjustments we can offer to help.
Will people know I’ve been for cervical screening?
Some women and people with a cervix may be very worried members of their community or family will know they’ve gone for screening, or may find out their results. It’s important to stress that your screening is completely confidential. There’s no way anyone else will find out what your appointment is for or will see the results.
Is cervical screening only for people who have had sex?
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are entitled to cervical screening on the NHS, as soon as they receive their first invitation (which may be about 6 months before their 25th birthday). If someone in this group wants to attend cervical screening, they have the right to it. While sexual history may influence someone’s risk, it shouldn’t determine whether or not they can have cervical screening.
If you believe that cervical screening is only for people who have had sex because you think cervical cancer is caused by sex, this is also a myth. The Human papilloma virus is very common and can be transmitted by skin to skin contact, not just penetrative sex.
Do I need to have had breast cancer to develop cervical cancer?
No, these cancers are not linked. It is important for you to understand that cervical cancer is a separate thing to other cancers and can develop on its own, even if someone has never had cancer before.
Will someone’s virginity be taken by taking a cervical screening sample?
No. If you haven’t had sex, you are still entitled to have cervical screening. Virginity is constructed around a sexual or intimate experience, whereas cervical screening is a health test.
We have heard from women who are concerned about ‘breaking’ the hymen during cervical screening. This shouldn’t be a worry – the hymen is not a good indication of whether someone has been sexually active and may not be intact even if the patient has never had penetrative sex. Equally, cervical screening should not be forceful enough to ‘break’ any part of the anatomy.
Do lesbian, gay or bisexual women need cervical screening?
Lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) women are as entitled to cervical screening as any other eligible person. In the past, there has been misunderstanding about it, even among professionals.
Remember that any genital skin-to-skin contact can spread HPV – not just penetration with a penis. So LGB patients can still get HPV, even if they’ve never had sex with a man.
BOWEL CANCER SCREENING: If you are aged 60-74 and registered with a GP you will automatically be sent a free kit that can detect early signs of bowel cancer. If you are 70 or over, you can request a kit by calling freephone 0800 707 60 60.
poster-nhsbcsp-signs-74.pdf
How to do the bowel cancer screening test
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