WATCH: Busting smear test myths

Thursday 23 January 2025

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and one woman is using this date in the diary to encourage the rest of us to make sure we go for our free screenings when invited.

Ruby Tapp has shared her experiences on camera, explaining her own cervical cancer journey and addressing some common screening myths.

She was found to have Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cell changes after her first screening appointment at the age of 25 years, despite having been vaccinated during her school years.

Her treatment was arranged swiftly after her first smear test.

“I would like to encourage anyone invited for cervical screening to take up the appointment, I did and it saved my life," she said.

"You can have HPV even if you have been vaccinated because there are lots of different strains of the virus.

"The appointment is quick, doesn’t cost anything (if you see a nurse) and is not as embarrassing as you might think. The nurse who takes the sample is trained to make you feel comfortable, they do this every day and they really have seen it all before.”

Cervical screening, via a smear test, is a free service that females aged 25-64 years are entitled to.

Most take advantage of this opportunity, said Diane Mathews, who is the island's Strategic Lead for Screening.

Screening is offered to eligible women every three years, or every five years. 

If HPV is detected the screening sample will then be checked for any changes to the cells in the cervix. If caught early, these can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer.

Ms Matthews said more women attended their smear test appointment in 2023 than in previous years and Public Health hopes that positive trend will continue by dispelling some myths around cervical screening. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Ruby for making this video and sharing her story," said Ms Matthews.

"In the video she explains some of the myths around cervical screening and we hope this will encourage even more women and people with a cervix to attend for screening which will potentially save lives.

"Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, and we now have the tools to make the disease a thing of the past. The cervical screening programme, together with our
HPV vaccination programme and treatment, helps us move towards our goal of eliminating cervical cancer in the Bailiwick.

"Approximately 74% of people aged 25-49 years and 81% of people aged 50-64 years attended their screening in Guernsey in 2023. This is positive news and an
improvement on previous years. With the help of Ruby, we would like to encourage even more islanders who are entitled to an appointment to take advantage of this
free service. The test is quick (approximately 15 minutes) and importantly can help save lives by detecting the first signs of cervical disease so treatment can be given
early, before any abnormal cells turn cancerous.”

More information about cervical screening can be found HERE.

Anyone with symptoms such as unusual bleeding, changes to discharge or unexpected pain should contact their doctor and get it checked out.

Pictured top: Ruby Tapp.