Why you're never too young to be tested for cervical cancer

They may not be pleasant but they could just save your life. That’s the message from Jacqui Cain to women worrying about cervical smear tests.

Jacqui Cain was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2010 at the age of 27 after an abnormal cervical screening result.

“When I was invited for my second cervical screening test I delayed it a little as I was moving house and the experience from my first test wasn’t very pleasant, so I didn’t rush to book an appointment,” explains Jacqui.

“But when I visited my GP the receptionist made me aware that I was due for my cervical screening test and I was booked in for an appointment.”

The results showed that Jacqui had cervical cancer and she had surgery which involved a cone biopsy and lymph nodes removal.

“During my diagnosis and treatment I felt alone and found it difficult to find information about cervical cancer..”

Then Jacqui was told about Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website.

“I found it very helpful to understand cervical cancer, its causes and treatment. Three years after my diagnosis I became a support group leader in Leeds for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. I did this because I wanted to help other women who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer and wish something like this had been available during my diagnosis.”

The Leeds cervical cancer support group supports women who have been newly diagnosed, those going through treatment and post treatment.

“It’s a great way for women to share their experiences and have face to face support including advice on side effects from treatment,” explains Jacqui.

The group meets once every six weeks at the Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre in a meeting room which the shopping centre has provided for them. There are four women who regularly attend the group and two to three times a year a cancer nurse specialist from St James’s Hospital attends the group. The cancer nurse gives talks about certain procedures, side effects of a treatment for cervical cancer and offers a questions and answer session as well.

“For me the group has been such a big achievement as it took a while to establish but it has now been running successfully for two years.”

Figures from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust suggest that eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three women will lose their lives to the disease in the UK every day. To improve the chances of spotting cancer early there is a national screening programme for cervical cancer which saves around 5,000 lives a year. The programme invites women aged 25-49 for a screening once every three years (once every five years for women aged 50-64).

The charity has also said uptake of cervical screening is now going down year on year. Figures for Leeds from the Health and Social Care Information Centre reflect the national trend. In 2014 75 per cent of women in Leeds attended their cervical screening test and in 2015 74.5 per cent of women attended.

Phil Corrigan, Chief Executive at NHS Leeds West CCG, said: “Having regular cervical screening can protect you against cervical cancer. The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious and may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage, which is why you must attend your test.

“The screening is offered free on the NHS, as long as you’re registered with a GP, who must have your current address on file. If you’re unsure or worried about the test you can speak to your GP or practice nurse who will be able to answer any questions you may have.”

Jacqui has taken a ‘selfie’ with her lipstick smeared across her cheek as part of a national campaign by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust called #SmearForSmear.

The campaign encourages people to share their selfies on social media to remind women to attend their cervical screening test.

“My advice to other women would be that if you’ve been invited for your cervical screening test, make sure you make it a priority and book your appointment as the test can help to save your life.

“Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under, and by backing Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust #SmearForSmear campaign we will be raising awareness of cervical cancer and prevention.

If you’re interested in joining the Leeds cervical cancer support group, vist www.jostrust.org.uk or email Jacqui at [email protected]