The cervical cancer population screening can detect a preliminary stage of the disease, but the number of participants participating in this study has been decreasing since 2018. Participation may be limited by the fact that young women are less concerned with the possibility of getting sick. On the other hand, it is also possible that women find a smear at the GP too painful, D66 MP Paulusma reports to Nu.nl.
Self-sampling test benefits
VROUW previously spoke with gynecologist and professor of prevention of gynecological cancer Ruud Bekkers, who reported to be in favor of the self-sampling test for cervical cancer. A study of women who did not accept the invitation to the population screening, but who did use the self-sampling test, showed that women liked the fact that they could take this test at any time. Another advantage was that they didn’t have to undress in front of anyone. “For example, some women experience pain at the doctor’s office because of the duckbill, which is not necessary,” says Bekkers.
Expertise
On the other hand, are those self-sampling tests inserted correctly? Colleague M wonders whether women actually read the package insert, because otherwise they might cause themselves pain or fail to perform the test properly.
Until now, the self-tests can only be delivered to someone’s home on request. As a result, women could still forget or find the threshold too high to request such a self-test.
Comments on twitter
Thea swears that a Pap smear saved her life.
Beppe, on the other hand, finds the self-sampling test easier to use. She no longer needs to go to the assistant with her legs up.
Noiram is happy that there are finally self-tests for cervical cancer. This type of cancer is a “silent killer.”
Join the conversation
Do you prefer to order a self-test on request to test for cervical cancer? In order not to have to raise your legs and to have a painful duckbill submitted to the doctor. Or would you rather trust your GP, because she knows what she is doing? Join the conversation on our Facebook page!
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