Women who do not receive regular Pap smears or cervical screenings are at increased risk of several health complications.
Without screening, early signs of cervical cancer may go undetected, leading to a higher likelihood of the cancer progressing to advanced stages before symptoms manifest. This delay in diagnosis can result in more aggressive treatment options, reduced chances of successful treatment outcomes, and higher mortality rates. Additionally, without regular screenings, other cervical abnormalities, such as precancerous lesions or infections, may remain unnoticed, potentially leading to complications such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and adverse pregnancy outcomes if left untreated. Therefore, regular Pap smears or cervical screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer and other cervical health issues, ultimately improving women's health outcomes and reducing the risk of serious complications.
However, barriers to obtaining regular Pap smears or cervical screenings include limited access to healthcare services, particularly among marginalized or underserved populations due to factors such as financial constraints, lack of health insurance, or geographical distance to healthcare facilities. Cultural and language barriers may also impede access to care, as well as a lack of awareness or knowledge about the importance of cervical screenings and preventive healthcare measures. Additionally, stigma, fear, or embarrassment related to pelvic exams and intimate healthcare procedures can deter women from seeking screening. Furthermore, structural barriers within healthcare systems, such as long wait times for appointments, limited availability of screening clinics, and inadequate patient education and counseling, can hinder women's ability to access timely and regular Pap smears.
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604,000 new cases in 2020. It can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.
Thyia’s Solution
Thyia is a digital clinic that transforms cervical screening into a comfortable and convenient process, providing women in the UK with access to at-home screening tests. Their self-test kits are scientifically proven to be just as safe and effective as GP-led smear testing.
By allowing women to perform cervical screening in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, Thyia reduces the burden of scheduling and attending in-person appointments and the embarrassment and discomfort associated with traditional clinic-based screenings, potentially increasing screening uptake rates. Additionally, at-home screening may facilitate earlier detection of cervical abnormalities or precancerous lesions, enabling timely intervention and treatment to prevent the progression to cervical cancer. At-home screening has the potential to reduce healthcare costs associated with clinic visits and follow-up appointments, making cervical cancer screening more cost-effective and accessible for both individuals and healthcare systems. Overall, at-home screening for cervical cancer has the potential to improve screening participation rates, enhance early detection efforts, and ultimately reduce the burden of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality.
How Femovate Helps
Thyia was awarded sponsorship through Guidea’s Femovate program for ‘23-’24.
As part of the Femovate sponsorship, designers at Guidea will work with the Thyia team to optimize the overall woman’s experience from ordering, unboxing, testing,and receiving results, education and next steps.
For more information about Thyia, visit https://thyia.co.uk/ and follow them on LinkedIn
For more information on Femovate visit www.femovate.com and follow us on LinkedIn
For interviews please contact Theresa Neil
