Senior Oldham doctors offer reassurance on smear tests

An Oldham women’s group will be told later today (Thursday) that getting a test for cervical cancer has never been easier or safer.

According to Cancer Research UK, 99% of cervical cancer cases are preventable if detected and when needs be, treated.

But anxiety, embarrassment and fear of pain are putting women off attending, despite what Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Mr Nagui Aziz calls, “amazing advances in testing in the last few decades.”

The Royal Oldham Hospital physician added: “I observed as a junior doctor that my normal routines and protocols have gradually evolved over the years to a completely different practice.

"Thanks to new computerised facilities and new technology that supported research, it has helped our understanding and application of a safer and more efficient prevention and treatment even for cervical cancers.”

This reassurance will be emphasised at a meeting held by the Women’s Chai Project in Oldham today by women’s health expert Dr Anita Sharma.

She will also raise concerns that some girls are not taking-up vital HPV vaccinations, which detect the virus that causes 75% of cervical cancer cases.

Administered to 12–13-year-old children at school, some parents have refused permission for the doses to be administered, due to what Dr Sharma (pictured below) calls, “vaccination hesitation and fake news.”

She said: “The life-course approach for cervical cancer is prevention.

"That should encompass education, vaccination, screening and attending for smear test when invited,

"I am deeply concerned when I hear that fathers in some households are opening mail addressed to daughters, sisters and mothers and making decisions on their behalf.

"Women need to be in control of their own bodies and health if we want to prevent the pain of conditions including endometriosis, the menopause and cervical cancer.”

One of Dr Sharma’s patients Maryam (not her real name) concluded: “I am nervous when it comes to getting my smear test but am more anxious about the prospect of getting cancer.

"I have missed letters reminding me about appointments, and think to myself “who is my husband to make decisions about my body?

"I also wonder if his embarrassment about these issues prevents him from having prostate and testicular cancer checks?”

The Women’s Chai session - “Let’s talk about cervical cancer” - takes place today at the Honeywell Centre in Oldham.

There are limited places, so please contact: najma@womenschaiproject.co.uk

Mr Nagui Aziz is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Dr Anita Sharma is a GP, with special interest in women’s health and chair of Endometriosis Awareness North.

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