Isle of Man
Anti Cancer Association

1959 - 2024

Generating funds for cancer research

Raising awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer

Supporting those affected by cancer

Staywell Clinic: Celebrating 60 years!

The Staywell Clinic has been in operation since 1964 and was set up in order to complement the service provided by the doctors’ surgeries and to provide an alternative venue for Ladies wishing to attend cervical screening. The clinic is situated in the Women & Children’s Outpatient Department at Noble’s Hospital and appointments are available on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6.15pm, 6.40pm and 7pm.

To make an appointment, please call 642638 on Monday & Thursday between the hours of 9am to 2pm.

This service has always been fully funded and managed by the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association and the aim is to give women the option of being able to attend cervical screening, which is staffed by female nurses and volunteers, outside of the usual working hours.

This is done to encourage more women to take up this important test. For more detailed information on this programme please view the information leaflet:-  cervical-screening-programme

Also, should you require support and information about Cervical Cancer we recommend that you contact:

MacMillan Cancer Support; Support Line: 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk

Eve Appeal; Ask Eve Helpline 0808 802 0019 or visit www.eveappeal.org.uk

If you are worried about attending your appointment please click on the link below to find out what actually happens when you go for your smear test….

Cervical screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing

Looking for HPV as the first test for all screening samples was introduced into the Isle of Man Cervical Screening Programme in August 2018.

The Isle of Man was one of the first areas within the UK where HPV primary screening is being used. Other UK areas will adopt this during 2019.

HPV is a very common virus. Most women get it at some point in their lives. Some types of HPV can cause abnormal cells in the cervix.

 

Signs & Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

  • The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • This may be between periods, or during or after sex, or new bleeding in women who have gone through the menopause.
  • Occasionally, other symptoms include discomfort during sex or an unpleasant vaginal discharge
  • If something does not seem right for your body and you are concerned about any possible symptoms, as we say every time on this feature, please don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about this – early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.

Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is more common if you:

  • Smoke
  • First had sex at an early age
  • Have had several sexual partners or have had a sexual partner who has had several other partners
  • Take immunosuppressant drugs (for example, after an organ transplant)

Your invitation to take part in this programme: –

All women aged 25 to age 64 are eligible to participate in the Cervical Screening programme.

  • Currently, women aged 25 – 49 are called for screening every 3 years
  • Women aged  50 – 64 every 5 years

If you have passed the menopause, you still need to be tested to check that your cervix is healthy.

Ask your doctor for advice if you:

  • Have had a hysterectomy
  • Are over 65
  • Have never had sex with a man
  • You are not sure whether you still need to be tested

After your first screening appointment, you will automatically be called back for routine screening in 3 or 5 years’ time (depending on your age).

It should also be noted that your contact details are provided by your GP, so it is worth checking that these are up-to-date. For changes to any of your personal information, please contact your Registered GP Practice.

On receipt of your invitation, you should make an appointment  – you can call Staywell on 642638.