Eight years ago, doctors misread this woman's smear test which would have if correctly read identified cervical cancer. Now, she will never be able to have children due to her cervical cancer diagnosis which came too late.
The 34-year-old woman asked not to be named when she shared her story with Liverpool Echo. She had her first smear test (a cervical cancer test that’s routine for women) in August 2014. The test for cervical cancer was declared negative, and she was told she would not have to undergo further testing until she was called in for her next routine screening.
Read MoreSpeaking with the Liverpool Echo, she opened up about the psychological challenges of going through such an intensely emotional health-scare. "It was such an emotional time following my diagnosis," she said. "I was trying to contend with my diagnosis and treatment while also trying to think about what it may mean for the future."
The cancer is gone now, but her treatment left her unable to conceive. This was devastating news for her and her partner. "Family is so important for me and my partner. I've always wanted to have at least two, maybe three children," she said. The hospital where her test was initially misread has admitted that if it weren't for this mistake, she would likely have been able to undergo treatment that would have maintained her ability to have children. She is using the money she won by hiring medical negligence lawyers to fund the process of looking for a surrogate mother.
The HPV vaccine prevents against certain cancers. It’s given to children which has created the misconception that it promotes sex at a young age.
"I just hope that by speaking out I can help others and lessons are learned from what happened to me. While my original smear test was incorrectly reported the second one probably helped save my life," she said.
"It's vital that women don't feel embarrassed and make sure they attend appointments. It's also important that women diagnosed with cervical cancer don't feel that they have to suffer alone. Help and support is available."
Understanding Cervical Cancer
Getting screened for cervical cancer is critically important because an earlier diagnosis may mean a better prognosis and broader treatment options. Cervical cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
According to the American Cancer Society, some of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, or having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual; Bleeding after douching may also occur.
- An unusual discharge from the vagina − the discharge may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause.
- Pain during sex.
- Pain in the pelvic region.
The Importance of Pap Smears
Pap smears are one way to 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.
More than 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, but other cancers are also linked to the virus, such as throat cancer. Luckily, the HPV vaccine can help prevent 90% of those cancers. Typically, the vaccine will be given to children before they are sexually active, because HPV is transmitted through sexual contact.
Are We Moving Away from the Pap Smear? What Is the HPV DNA Test?
The majority of countries in the world (78%), use the pap smear alone or combined with other tests, to screen for cervical cancer, according to the WHO. The current testing figures remain low globally–the WHO says that only 35% of women aged 30 to 49 have been screened at least once in their life for cervical cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced recently, however, that it recommends an HPV DNA-based test as the preferred screening method for cervical cancer over the pap smear
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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