As screening rates for cervical cancer plummet in the UK, 50 women share their thoughts on what it's really like to have a smear test.

Cervical cancer screening: 50 women talk about smear tests

As a plus size woman, I am always afraid of being judged for my body, and this is obviously magnified in a space where you are so physically vulnerable

Smear tests are embarrassing and awkward and everything you don’t want to use up your holiday allowance at work for

I’ve had too many smear tests to remember a precise number – at least 10 since my first one

The whole experience is uncomfortable and I dread going to have it done

Smear tests really aren’t that bad… early detection over late intervention, is what I always say

My experiences have mainly been positive, apart from one retrospectively hilarious appointment when they couldn’t find my cervix

I booked privately with BUPA for my fourth, and I’ll likely do it again next year for my fifth

“Who knew your cervix could move around so much and then hide at the worst possible moment?”

Cervical cancer screening: We asked 50 women about smear tests. The answers were unexpected