Navigating Cervical Screenings with Crohn’s Disease: Eve Hewitt’s Story
For Eve hewitt, a Cambridgeshire resident living with Crohn’s disease and vaginal scarring from surgery, attending cervical screenings is far from routine. The potential for pain and bleeding has made these appointments a source of anxiety. Yet, through self-advocacy and tailored adjustments, she has found ways to make the process more manageable.
“If I don’t go in prepared and ready to advocate for myself, there is a lot of anxiety about the pain that could happen,” Eve shared with the BBC.Her proactive approach includes requesting a smaller speculum and booking a double appointment to “break the ice” with the nurse.
Eve’s strategy highlights the importance of open communication with healthcare providers. ”If I can say ‘these are the things that concern me, I’m concerned about pain, how uncomfortable it’s going to be for me and perhaps how arduous it might be for the nurse too’ – if we can discuss that beforehand, we can go in with a bit of an action plan, and that really helps me,” she explained.
Small adjustments, like using a pillow for support, have also made a significant difference. “Sometimes I find a pillow under my bum helpful and makes it more agreeable for me and a bit easier for the nurse too. If I feel like it’s not working, I will rebook the appointment,” she added.
Eve’s experience underscores a broader issue: a “complete lack of knowledge” about the challenges faced by individuals with conditions like Crohn’s disease during screenings. “If I didn’t know I could ask for adaptations, there is a quite a high chance I would have been put off,” she admitted.
This lack of awareness is particularly concerning given the NHS England’s enterprising goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. The combination of cervical screening and the HPV vaccine has already reduced cases by 90% in England.However, the NHS emphasizes that even vaccinated individuals must attend screenings, as there remains a small risk of developing cancer.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| Self-Advocacy: open communication with healthcare providers can make screenings more manageable. |
| adaptations: Smaller speculums, double appointments, and supportive pillows can ease discomfort. |
| Awareness: Greater understanding of individual needs is crucial to encourage attendance. |
| NHS Goals: Cervical screenings and the HPV vaccine are vital to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. |
Eve’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of personalized care in healthcare settings. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others to advocate for their needs and ensure that screenings remain accessible to all.
For more information on the HPV vaccine and its role in reducing cervical cancer, visit the BBC’s coverage.
