Smear tests

Scenario

Ellie has come into the pharmacy to talk to technician Vicky.

“I’ve been called for my first smear test but I think I’ll have my period when  it is the appointment date. Does it matter?” she asks. “Also, I wondered why it has taken this long for me to have my first smear. I’ve not had anything that suggests a problem. But then isn’t cervical cancer one of those ‘silent killers’?”