North Carolina Woman, 54, Dyes Hair Pink, Creates Barbie-Inspired Luxury G-Wagen Mercedes To Become a Rolling Ad For Cancer Screening

What You Need to Know About Pap Tests

The 54-year-old cervical cancer survivor, who often didn’t worry about her health prior to her diagnosis, told Novant Health, “It makes everybody feel good and it’s just a perfect reminder that I survived cancer.”

She ultimately learned she had cancer in the fall of 2024 after getting a routine Pap smear (when a doctor collects a sample of cells from your cervix, which are examined under a microscope for abnormalities). After undergoing a colposcopy (a procedure which uses a magnifying instrument (colposcope) to examine the cervix more closely), she was informed she had a high-grade lesion and was at a higher risk of cancer.

Then, she underwent a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) procedure to removes abnormal cells from the cervix, which are then sent to a lab for testing for signs of cervical cancer. However, the LEEP procedure didn’t remove the cancer cells and the mom was informed she had cervical cancer.

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She ultimately chose to undergo a radical hysterectomy via a robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Magliocca had her uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and some lymph nodes removed during that surgery on November 21. Less than one month later, on December 9, she was told she was cancer free.

The owner of Great Danes and grandmother of one, hopes her story will inspire others to get their routine cancer screenings and remain positive through adversity.

She concluded, “If there’s one thing I take from cancer, it’s to just radiate joy.”

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Screenings

Magliocca celebrated her dream car being built with an Instagram post at the end of 2024, following her cancer journey, writing, “REFLECTION on 2024..it wasn’t the year that brought us all ‘WINS,’…….it’s our PERSISTENCE to keep moving ‘forward in motion’ ….through some very difficult ADULTING.

“Realizing you have to WALK IN FAITH you have to CHOOSE your HAPPINESS, you have to be PATIENT & GRATEFUL for the hard times, because then you really FEEL the good times. Business has been harder, so BUILD TO KEEP the business partners you already have, STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS are better than numbers!”

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A post shared by Kristen Magliocca (@newlifebuildingsupplies)

She continued, “Parents aging & roles reversing, the losses Rick’s Dad, our beloved Great Dane, so so many dear dear friends, & I SURVIVED the ‘C.’ My husband helps to remind me we choose to live, we have to believe Gods plan is bigger then us .

“Surround yourself with positive energy, positive people, create your own happiness! We know life isn’t guaranteed. Color your hair pink, sport a mustache, buy that bougie outfit, but be grateful, be humble & your gifts will be endless.”

Magliocca then admitted that she usually doesn’t show off, but her husband Rick built her dream car.

“Pinch me! My husband along with his friend village worked months to make me my very own, personal disco ride. If you see me, honk, wave, give me thumbs up or jump it,” she concluded.

Understanding Cervical Cancer & Pap Smears

Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix the lower part of the womb (uterus). Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

It’s important to note that HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually-transmitted virus, causes more than 70% of cervical cancer cases. Most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.

Additionally, other risk factors like smoking can make you about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t smoke.

Cervical cancer screening is critically important because an earlier diagnosis can mean a better prognosis with broader treatment options.

The American Cancer Society recommends that cervical cancer screening begins at age 25, and people aged 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test, an HPV test done by itself for screening, every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, however, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years.

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, after douching, bleeding and spotting in between periods or having heavier or longer (menstrual) periods than usual
• Unusual discharge from the vagina that may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the pelvic region

RELATED: Motherhood After Cancer Treatment Yes, It’s Possible: Here’s What You Should Know About Fertility Preservation

Pap smears are one way to detect cervical cancer early. During the test, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer.

This is an important procedure because symptoms of cervical cancer might show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4. By helping doctors catch signs of the disease early, Pap smears can lead to broader and more effective treatment options.

One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact. HPV is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer, and there are usually no early signs or symptoms of the disease. However, cervical cancer can be detected through regular check-ups, such as pap smears.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s recommended that women start getting Pap tests at age 21. “If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test,” the CDC explains.

Meanwhile, anyone between 20 and 65 years old is urged to speak with their doctor on which testing option is best for them. The CDC explains, “An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

“An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.”

For women older than age 65, the CDC says your doctor may suggest you don’t need further screenings if: “You have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the past 10 years, and the test results were normal or negative, and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.”

The Importance of Routine Screenings For Cervical Cancer

Regular cervical cancer screenings play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. SurvivorNet experts explain that timely cervical cancer screenings are essential because they:

• Help identify abnormal cells early: Screenings can detect abnormal cervical cells (also called cervical dysplasia) before they turn into cancer. Early detection allows for timely interventions and treatment, preventing the progression to cervical cancer.
• Reduce the risk of cervical cancer: Consistent and regular screenings have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer. The more often you get screened, the higher the chance of catching any abnormal cells early enough to treat them effectively.
• Confidence in your health status: Regular screenings provide peace of mind, knowing you’re taking steps to safeguard your health. Whenever abnormal cells are detected and treated, it helps maintain your overall well-being and offers reassurance.

Despite the benefits of regular screenings, some people may neglect them due to factors such as a lack of awareness, fear, or procrastination. It’s essential to remember that both the Pap test and HPV test usually take only a few minutes, easily performable during a regular doctor’s visit. The best preventative measure against cervical cancer is attending regular screenings and updating your healthcare provider on any changes in your gynecological health.

Interpreting Your Screening Results

Once your cervical cancer screening is complete, you’ll receive your test results, which can be categorized into normal, abnormal, or inconclusive. It’s important to discuss the results with your healthcare provider to fully understand them and make informed decisions about any necessary follow-up care. Here’s a brief overview of what the results might indicate:

• Normal results: If your screening results are normal, it means there were no significant changes or abnormalities detected in your cervical cells. This is good news and signifies that you are at low risk for developing cervical cancer. However, continue to attend regular screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Abnormal results: Abnormal results do not necessarily indicate that you have cervical cancer but can indicate cell changes that may develop into cancer in the future. These changes can range from mild to severe. Based on the severity of the abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, monitoring, or treatment. Some examples of further tests include repeat Pap tests or biopsy.
• Inconclusive results: Sometimes, screening results can be inconclusive, meaning that your healthcare provider cannot definitively determine whether the results are normal or abnormal. This can occur for various reasons, such as an inadequate sample or the presence of blood, inflammation, or mucus. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat test or additional testing to obtain a clear result.

Regardless of the outcome of your cervical cancer screening results, it’s essential to stay informed and advocate for your health. Discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider, and maintain open communication about your cervical health.

The Importance of Advocating for Yourself

Standing up for yourself is important. If you feel that you’re being dismissed or mistreated by a doctor. Getting a second opinion is crucial if something doesn’t feel right. Experts tell SurvivorNet that no one knows your body better than you, so if you feel like something is wrong, keep pushing for answers.

Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet that sometimes, patients need to be pushy.

Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate… Don’t Settle

“From a doctor’s perspective, every problem should have a diagnosis, a treatment, a plan for follow-up, and a plan for what happens next if the treatment doesn’t work,” Dr. Murrell said.

And as a patient, “If you don’t feel like each of these four things has been accomplished, just ask! Even if it requires multiple visits or seeing additional providers for a second opinion, always be your own advocate.”

Ultimately, patients advocating for their health can lead to better patient outcomes. This is especially important when you find your doctor has misdiagnosed your symptoms.

A component of advocating for yourself in healthcare includes going back to the doctor multiple times and even getting multiple opinions.

Dr. Steven Rosenberg is the National Cancer Institute Chief of Surgery, and he previously told SurvivorNet about the advantages of getting input from multiple doctors.

Cancer research legend urges patients to get multiple opinions.

“If I had any advice for you following a cancer diagnosis, it would be, first, to seek out multiple opinions as to the best care. Because finding a doctor who is up to the latest of information is important,” Dr. Rosenberg said.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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