Cervical screening awareness week: Four women share their cervical cancer stories

There are around 3,300 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year.  But we’re making huge leaps forward in cervical cancer research that are saving and improving lives right now. 

From cervical screening to clinical trials, here are four real stories of people who have gone through a cervical cancer diagnosis and their experiences. 

Nicola’s story 

In 2019, shortly after giving birth to her second child, Nicola received a letter after a routine cervical screening appointment (sometimes called a smear test) explaining that she had human papilloma virus (HPV) and some abnormal cells. She was referred to a colposcopy clinic where she had a biopsy and a month later was called back to the hospital and told she had stage 1 cervical cancer. 

“Such a life-changing operation was a strange prospect in my thirties. However, I didn’t want the risk of any cancer still being there, and I felt lucky to have already had two children. We might have tried for a third in the future, but there was no doubt in my mind that I would rather be here for the two I have already got.”   

Nicola had the operation in September 2019 and was in hospital for three days.   

“I retained my ovaries, so was not pushed into early menopause. My womb and cervix were sent off to be tested, and as the womb came back clear, they didn’t take any lymph nodes. I did not need any follow-up chemotherapy, so it was definitely the best course of action.”   

Screening is always your choice. It can have harms as well as benefits. But Nicola is glad that she chose to attend her appointment. 

“I am passionate about raising awareness about smear tests.      

“I think it is so important for women to know that cervical cancer, if caught at an early stage, can be successfully treated.” 

Cervical screening can also prevent cancer from developing in the first place, because doctors can monitor or treat any abnormal cells they find, before they turn into cancer.  

And remember, screening is for people without symptoms. If you spot anything unusual for you, speak to your doctor – don’t wait until your next screening appointment, even if you’re expecting an invitation soon.

Tara’s story 

In 2015 Tara was on holiday when she realised that something wasn’t right. Once she got back, she went straight to her GP.  

Initially, Tara was nervous about taking part in the trial, as it “signalled something unpredictable and scary.” But once she learnt more and read about the positive results from the previous stages of the trial, she realised that it could help her.  

“I felt honoured to take part in this life saving opportunity,” she said. 

“I really want to raise awareness about clinical trials. They may sound a bit scary, but I loved being a part of one. My oncology team were amazing, and I looked forward to meeting them every time I went for treatment.  

“I felt very privileged to know that I was part of ground-breaking research. 

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported Cancer Research UK and helped make clinical trials like mine possible.”   

Since her treatment ended, Tara has got back to doing the things she enjoys, like travelling the world and spending time with her friends and family.

Gem’s story  

Gem wasn’t sure what to expect before her first screening appointment, so she did some research online about what the appointment would involve.  

“This helped put my mind at ease. I was still nervous, but the image that you build up in your head is usually far worse than the reality,” said Gem. 

Unfortunately, in 2015 following a routine smear test, Gem got the news that the doctor had found cancerous cells. 

“It gives me comfort knowing my sister and others who have had the vaccine are protected against HPV and are therefore less likely to develop cervical cancer.   

“I hope one day we live in a world where cervical cancer is eliminated and hopefully with the advances in research and the HPV vaccine that will be a reality.” 

Pamela’s story 

For 10 years Pamela didn’t take up her cervical screening invites.  

“I just ignored them,” she recalls. “I hated the thought of having that test – I just buried my head in the sand and assumed I’d be ok.”   

In 2013, irregular bleeding that Pamela had experienced for some time became so bad that she went to hospital. Tests confirmed that she had cervical cancer.  

“They told me that it had spread into the bowel, bladder and lymph nodes. They also explained that the tumour itself was too big to be operated on as it was the size of a tennis ball.  

“It was the worst news possible. I just thought, ‘it’s all over.’” 

After experiencing a severe allergic reaction to her first course of chemotherapy, Pamela was given a different type of chemotherapy which didn’t give her any severe side effects. As a result, she was able to carry on with 10 cycles of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy every day for six weeks, followed by four sessions of brachytherapy, which is a type of internal radiotherapy.

To her delight Pamela was told the treatment was working and five years on from her diagnosis, in August 2017, she was told she was in remission.  

“It was the news I never thought I’d hear. I had all but given up hope when I first got my diagnosis but it just goes to show you should never give up. 

“I have so much to be thankful for. I have been able to see my children grow up and my two grandchildren being born. I never dreamed that would even be a possibility. But it’s all thanks to research and the fact the doctors and nurses didn’t give up on me. They kept trying until something worked.”