Invited for a cervical screening? "Dear madam, a few months ago you received an invitation for the cervical population screening. You can still participate." The letter urged me to contact my GP if interested. Oh right... I forgot.
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Cervical cancer most commonly affects women aged 30 to 60. In the Netherlands, women receive an automatic invitation for cervical screening every five years starting at age 30. Around 700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year (2020 data), and 200 women die from it annually. The screening involves a smear test to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV). Learn more about HPV and its stages here. If HPV is present, it raises cervical cancer risk, prompting further examination of the sample.
Why do I always set aside my cervical screening invitation? I'm far from alone. About 750,000 women receive invitations annually, but only 70% follow through with their GP. Participation is voluntary, yet it prevents immense suffering. Still, I delay every five years due to anxiety and discomfort. As Joyce shared in her blog, fear of the Pap smear is common.
Dentist visits give me mild butterflies—not full-blown nerves, but noticeable. Cervical screening anxiety hits harder. I'd happily bare my teeth for biannual check-ups but hesitate to expose myself for a five-yearly exam. It's a stark contrast in comfort levels.
The first invitation after turning 45 went straight into the 'to-do' pile amid birthday chaos. Weeks later: "Oh, I need to book that." But when? Life's demands piled up—excuses, really. The GP is nearby, and with part-time work, time exists. We make it for what's vital, right?
I 'forgot,' though a nagging voice reminded me. No action yet. A thoughtful reminder arrived; it joined the first letter in hiding.
Weeks ago, my favorite TV personality, Chantal Janzen, spotlighted vaginal health and Pap smears in &C magazine. It hit home harder than any letter. I set embarrassment aside and booked immediately.
I also scheduled my IUD replacement—three-quarters early, but no more delays. At nearly 46, it was time. Everything prepped: updated records, new IUD from the pharmacy. (That massive box barely fit anywhere!)
Nervous but ready, the nine-minute visit flew by. The smear? Quick and painless. IUD swap was uncomfortable but tolerable. Prep and paperwork took longer than the exam itself. The (female) GP focused efficiently: "Great you came—small but crucial test. See you in five years." Firm handshake, done.
I dreaded it unnecessarily. It's routine for women, yet anxiety lingers. Results pending, but I'm calm. Next time, no waiting—promise.
Forgot to book but lost the invite? Here's what to do.
30% of invitees skip screening. That's why self-sampling kits exist—reliable home HPV tests. For details on HPV, self-sampling, cervical cancer, or screening, visit the RIVM website.
