London Gynaecology’s new 15-Minute Smear: Same expert-led care, just less time out of your day.

If you’ve been putting off your smear test, this is for you. Let’s debunk the myths with Miss Enaya Mirza.

For many women, smear tests are something they dread, delay or sometimes avoid altogether. We’re here to change that as they are crucial in helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

That’s why we have decided to introduce a new 15-Minute Smear test appointment, priced at £200, is now available at our Richmond, Moorgate and Harley Street clinics. The aim is to make the experience faster and more comfortable, allowing you to get screened quickly and comfortably in a private space.

In the UK, cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in females, with around 3,300 new cases every year according to Cancer Research UK. Now, almost two in three females diagnosed, survive their disease for ten years or more, yet early detection is absolutely vital here, helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. That’s where cervical screening comes in.

“Cervical cancer is very rare especially in women who have had regular smears,” reassures Miss Enaya Mirza, an expert consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. 

“Women over the age of 25 should have a smear test every three to five years. Cervical cancer takes many years to develop, which means that you would have several opportunities to detect problems before they become cancer via smear tests, as these detect any abnormalities.”

“A smear test is not necessarily a test for cancer,” explains Enaya.  “It’s a test that looks for early cell changes and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which may cause these changes, so we can act long before cancer develops.”

What does a smear test involve?

A cervical screening (smear test) checks the health of your cervix; this is the opening to your womb. 

“During the short, five-minute test, a smooth plastic instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into your vagina. This is so we can see the cervix and take a sample from there, similar to taking a swab. The sample is checked for HPV first. If HPV is found, the cells are then examined for any changes that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated,” says Enaya.

If abnormal cells are detected, you may be referred for a colposcopy. 

“This is a closer examination of the cervix using a microscope and it allows me to  see any cell changes clearly and, if needed, treat them early,” adds Enaya.

You may also need a colposcopy if you’re experiencing certain symptoms related to cervical cancer, such as unusual bleeding, pain during sex and/or persistent vaginal discharge.

Being referred for a colposcopy does not mean you have cancer. It’s a cautionary measure and could help to save you from much more invasive treatment, and possibly your life, later down the line.

At London Gynaecology, we offer comprehensive screening services, as well as expert-led treatment so you can feel assured that you’re getting the highest standard of care.

4 Cervical Cancer Myths to Stop Believing

Myth #1: If I feel fine, I don’t need a smear test

Your smear is designed to spot potential problems before you feel anything, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have any symptoms. 
Plus, Enaya adds that cervical cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. 

“Regular smear tests allow cell changes to be picked up early, when they are easiest to treat. By the time any symptoms do appear, the condition may be more advanced.”

Myth #2: HPV is rare or something to be ashamed of

Although it might sound daunting, HPV is in fact, extremely common. Around 85% of people who have ever been sexually active will get HPV at some stage of their life and many HPV viruses will heal on their own.
“HPV isn’t a sign of poor hygiene or behaviour,” says Enaya.
“The majority of infections clear on their own. But careful monitoring to see if it is in the meantime causing any changes to the cervix is vital. High-risk HPV infections can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix which can in some cases, lead to cervical cancer.”

Myth #3: Regular screening means I can’t get cervical cancer
Unfortunately regular screening doesn’t eliminate your risk of cervical cancer but it reduces it hugely. Some cervical cancers are not HPV related.
“That’s why it’s important to get screened every three years and if you notice symptoms between tests, you must raise this with your GP or a gynaecologist,” says Enaya. 
A negative smear test means ‘low risk’ and not ‘no risk’ so you must still seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms. 

Myth #4: Smear tests are painful
This is a fear held by many women. However, the reality is, that while a smear test is unlikely to be enjoyable, it shouldn’t be painful. 
“You may experience some mild discomfort from the speculum, however we do have different sized speculums and we use lubrication to minimise pain when inserting. If something does feel uncomfortable, you can always ask to pause or stop,” says Enaya.

What does an abnormal smear result mean?

So you’ve had your smear and you’re waiting for the results, but what does it mean if your smear throws up something abnormal?

“An abnormal smear result does not mean you have cancer. It usually means that HPV has been detected and that some cells show changes,” says Enaya. 

“Abnormal cells are common and highly treatable. That’s exactly why screening works so well.”

A colposcopy can help to assess things a little more closely. But what about if you are eventually diagnosed with cervical cancer? 

“Most very early cervical cancers can be treated with an outpatient procedure and surveillance,” says Enaya. 

“More advanced cancers may require additional imaging, hysterectomy or other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The majority of women with advanced cancers in this country are those that have not had cervical screening for many years.”

Ultimately, cervical screening isn’t something to fear. At London Gynaecology, our 15-Minute Smear, priced at £200, aims to remove the dread that’s often associated with smear tests,

“Screening is a powerful tool that helps protect your health, often years before a problem develops. If you’ve been putting off your smear test, just remember that a few minutes could make all the difference,” says Enaya.

Book a 15 minute cervical screening here