Increasingly, there are a number of reasons women are avoiding smear tests, despite how important it is to have one. With one third delaying the procedure out of embarrassment, more scared of the discomfort of it and others fearing the results, far too many women are opting out of the potentially life-saving test. However, one of those concerns has seemingly been eased today, with a new study showing early cell changes can get better on their own in 50% of cases.
When going for a smear, the doctor is testing for abnormal cells in the cervix, with abnormal changes classified on a scale of CIN 1, CIN 2 and CIN 3, which relates to how much of the surface layer of the cervix if affected. Currently, doctors treat ‘moderate’ pre-cancerous lesions, CIN 2, but ignore CIN 1 lesions. Now, CIN 2 lesions are less likely to need treatment.
The British Medical Journal research, which is being treated with caution, suggests that more than half of all untreated cases of CIN2 lesions get better spontaneously within two years, with under one-third persisting and under on-in-five getting worse. For women under 30, the odds are even better, with 60% getting better on their own, 23% persisting and 11% getting worse.
While these results are positive, delaying treatment may still not be ideal even with the higher chance of spontaneous recovery. Professor Maggie Cruickshank, from the University of Aberdeen, wrote in an editorial linked in the BMJ:
‘Knowing that the chance of regression is 50%-60%, still means taking a gamble that surveillance is simply delaying treatment and even a small risk of cancer (0.5% in this study) may still be unacceptable to some.’
However, choosing to have treatment is also a weighty decision. She continued:
‘The effects of local excision, such as pain, bleeding, or menstrual disturbance, time off work, and the possibility of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and mid-trimester miscarriage are also important considerations in decision-making.’
While some experts are concerned this will deter women from getting smear tests, we think it only stands as more reason to go and get the test. Knowing even moderate lesions may not have to disturb your life in getting treatment, should comfort those who are avoiding out of fear of results. For those still embarrassed or concerned about the pain, the potential of a life-saving diagnosis should surely outweigh two minutes of discomfort.
Click through to see the best beauty buys for Breast Cancer Awareness month...
The Best Beauty Buys For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1 of 8Limited Edition Supersize Skin Bliss Capsules, £99
These handy little capsules are a 2-month supply of antioxidant-rich day and night facial oils to help to improve the visible signs of ageing whilst breaking down skin-clogging toxins. The morning capsule helps nourish and soften skin with Rose Absolute, while the evening capsule is infused with soothing Lavender to help repair and protect skin overnight. £10 of the retail purchase price will go to Breast Cancer Now, but regardless of sales, ELEMIS has pledged to donate a minimum of £33,000 to Breast Cancer Now to take the stand against cancer.
2 of 8Trinny London, Lip 2 Cheek in Sherin, £25
The newest member of the Trinny tribe, and in turn the latest Lip2Cheek shade, is Sherin, and 10% of every sale of the Lip2Cheek shade (and others across the range) will be donated to Sherin's chosen charity, Breast Cancer Now, who supported her on her own personal journey. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Friday 1st October – Sunday 31st October), Trinny London will also be offering one-to-one virtual appointments to those receiving cancer treatment, with the aim of sharing the best products, tips and tricks as their skin adapts to treatment – whether it's increased sensitivity, redness or sparse brows.
3 of 8GHD Gold Hair Straightener in Rose Pink, £149
For another year, GHD are campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of self-checking, and are supporting breast cancer charities with their Take Control Now collection, including the GHD gold hair straightener in limited edition rose pink. Expect the brands salon quality, sleek results from with two next-generation heat sensor plates, without extreme heat.
4 of 8Carolina Herrera, Pink October Range, From £15.50
Carolina Herrera have launched not one product, but an entire range, 'A Touch of Love' for Pink October, a new initiative to help support and raise awareness around breast cancer around the world. 10% of the proceeds from the edit (including fragrances and makeup refills) will go to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), which offers free services for patients and families affected by cancer.
5 of 8Scientia, Limited Edition Pure Clarity Targeted Blemish Paste, £16
This year Scientia are launching an exclusive new product in partnership with the Pink Ribbon Foundation, revamped with Limited Edition pink packaging and a special kind of Zinc Oxide to make the formula pink too. The blemish paste not only reduces redness but works to prevent budding blemishes too. But its only available for a limited time, and with 100% of proceeds going to the charity, there's no better reason not to snap this up now.
6 of 8Ann Summers, My Viv Massage Candle Bergamot, £20
With 10% of profits going to Breast Cancer Now, this relaxing lavender and amber candle is the ultimate in self gifting, creating a 'sensual' and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy, and helping to contribute towards cancer research and care.
7 of 8Elemental Herbology, Calm & Soothe Collection, £50
Elemental Herbology has partnered with The Pink Ribbon Foundation to create a Limited Edition gift collection, with £5 from each Calm & Soothe Collection kit sold, helping to relieve the needs of people who are suffering from or have been affected by breast cancer. Each gift set contains a Breast Self-Check Guide, Antioxidant Hydration Mist, Neroli & Rose Damask Body Cream and Aromatherapy Candle, designed to calm the mind and soothe the skin with with a gentle blend of rose damask, neroli and chamomile.
8 of 8Kevin Murphy, Plumping Wash, £24
This October, haircare brand KEVIN.MURPHY are standing up to Breast Cancer with their MORE THAN PINK kit. Including the ultra voluminsing Plumping Wash, Plumping Rinse, and Session Spray Flex, for every kit sold, KEVIN.MURPHY will donate £1 to CoppaFeel!,