It is over ten years since Maria Steinsvik Kronvald (40) last took a cervical sample. As a result, she had to change GPs.
– My relationship with the doctor went from that we were equal, to that I felt small and powerless, says Steinsvik Kronvald, about the first and last time she took a cervical test.
After the 40-year-old from Nordreisa was abused as a child, the fear of a gynecological examination is worse than the thought of cancer.
55,000 fewer under the corona
The annual #checkdeg campaign from the Norwegian Cancer Society reminds women between the ages of 25 and 69 to get tested for cell changes and cervical cancer. The goal is to eradicate the HPV virus that leads to the type of cancer.
Since the campaign started in 2015, the statistics on women who check themselves have increased steadily. Still, there are around 400,000 women who are easy going. Half of them again have not tested in ten years or more.
Karianne (49) ignored the letter in the mail – it had major consequences
Figures from the Cancer Registry show that 9 out of 10 women who die of cervical cancer have never checked themselves, or check themselves too infrequently.
During the corona year 2020, the number of women taking the test fell for the first time in several years. Nearly 55,000 fewer test themselves than expected.
The risk of infection is greater for young victims of abuse
While women in Sweden can take a home test of the cervix, one in Norway must go to the GP or gynecologist. It is this barrier that has hindered Steinsvik Kronvald for ten years.
– When you are abused, someone invades your body. For me, the experience of taking a cell sample is like voluntarily letting someone invade your body again. And it provokes the same feelings as when you were abused.
For Steinsvik Kronvald, the mental strain starts from the time the class is booked and may require weeks of processing afterwards. After taking the test once more than ten years ago, she has not had the strength to do it again.
– MORE TESTING: Ameli Tropé in the Cancer Registry wants more people to get tested, and is therefore happy with the recent news from the government. Photo: TV 2
–
Ameli Tropé, leader of the Cervical Program in the Cancer Registry, talks about several encounters with women who struggle with the same mental barriers as Steinsvik Kronvald.
– In addition, they may have been exposed to HPV infection before they received the HPV vaccine in 7th grade. Therefore, they have an increased risk, partly because of the infection they may have been exposed to, but also because they are not examined, says Tropé.
20.5 million for home testing
But already in a few years, the solution for Steinsvik Kronvald and other women can be here.
To TV 2, Prime Minister Erna Solberg told that the government leaves NOK 20.5 million for the Cervical Program and home testing in the state budget for 2022.
– By introducing home testing, we hope to uncover more precursors to cancer in the past. It will be good for society, but first and foremost good for those women who do not experience the cancer developing, says Solberg.
Tropé, who has been involved in the work with home testing since its inception ten years ago, sees it as a milestone.
– Home testing means that we can reach those women who for various reasons do not take a cervical sample, and with the closer goal of eliminating cervical cancer, says Tropé.
– – IMPORTANT DECISION: Ingrid Stenstadvold Ross, Secretary General, The Norwegian Cancer Society. Photo: Lise Åserud
–
The Secretary General of the Norwegian Cancer Society, Ingrid Stenstadvold Ross, has also been waiting for the news.
– We have great faith in an offer to test yourself in peace and quiet within the four walls of the house will provide the security that is necessary, says Stenstadvold Ross.
Can finally test himself
The test you take at home is as safe as the one you take at the doctor, according to Tropé. In the first instance, the test will be sent out to those who have not tested for ten years or more, such as Steinsvik Kronvald.
– It comes illegally late, but it is an important victory, she says.
Steinsvik Kronvald is ready for the day the test is in the mailbox, but has a clear encouragement to other women in the same situation:
– If you experience symptoms, you must go anyway. I want to do the same.
–
