25-Year-Old Woman Dismissed Lower Back Pain As Birth Control Side Effects. It Was Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Screenings

During a recent interview with PA Real Life, according to the Manchester Evening News, McKee recounted finally getting her routine checkup [which is offered to woman starting at age 25 in the U.K. and recommended to women in the U.S. started at age 21) in March 2024.

Five weeks after her screening, she tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact and the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer.

Two weeks later she underwent a biopsy and ultrasounds, leading to her stage three cancer diagnosis another 14 days after that.

McKee’s diagnosis could have been discovered sooner if she hasn’t been hesitant to book her screening. Thankfully, she is set to finish her cancer treatment in September and is now urging others to get checked for cervical cancer, hoping to inspire England’s National Health Service to make HPV-negative screenings more frequent.

She told PA Real Life, “When there are big changes like this, it can feel like they (NHS England) are not really taking women’s health seriously. I think that was probably one of my first thoughts when I first read about the changes… it can feel quite dismissive.

“It’s a scary thought that there could be women who go under the radar.”

McKee, who admitted she didn’t tell her family for a bit because she didn’t want anyone to worry about her, ultimately underwent surgery in November 2024 in an attempt to remove a tumor on her cervix.

However, due to the tumor being unable to be removed completely and continuing to increase in size, McKee started started radiotherapy treatment and finally informed her loved ones.

She then began chemotherapy, undergoing eight rounds every three weeks, in April 2025 as the radiotherapy wasn’t successful.

RELATED: Important News for Women Weighing Birth Control Options: New Research Finds IUDs Could Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk as Much as 32%

For any women worried about going to their routine screenings, McKee advised, “They (cervical screening tests) are not an embarrassing thing.

“It’s so quick, it’s nothing to be scared about and they can save your life.”

She also insisted that once she recovers, she plans on “going to grab every opportunity and get as much happiness out of life as possible.”

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.

Understanding Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control method of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives contain either a combination of estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only.

“Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy by blocking the release of eggs from a woman’s ovaries, thinning the lining of her uterus, or thickening the mucus in the cervix to help keep sperm from reaching the egg,” Dr. Dana Chase, an associate professor of UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview.

WATCH: Finding a Doctor Who Can Handle Your Personal Concerns

There are several different types of hormonal birth control options, which people can choose with their doctor depending on your personal preferences and unique circumstances. Those options include:

• Swallow it in pill form. Most people in the U.S. who are on the pill take what’s called the combination pill. Estrogen and progesterone stop your ovaries from releasing eggs and they make changes in your cervix and uterus that lower your chance of pregnancy.
• Have an injection. This method prevents pregnancy by injecting a synthetic version of the hormone progestogen, called Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or DMPA. It keeps the body from producing its own hormones and releasing eggs from the ovaries.
• Get an implant. The contraceptive implant (commonly sold unde the brand name Nexplanon) is a small flexible plastic rod that’s placed under the skin in your upper arm by a health professional. It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and will last for three years.
• Use a skin patch. The patch releases a daily dose of hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. It contains the same hormones as the combined pill estrogen and progestogen and works in the same way by preventing the release of an egg each month (ovulation).
• Insert a ring in the vagina. The vaginal ring (commonly sold under the brand name NuvaRing) is a small, soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It releases a continuous dose of hormones estrogen and progestogen into the bloodstream.
• Have an IUD placed in your uterus. This device is a T-shaped plastic frame that’s inserted into the uterus by your HCP, where it releases the hormone progestin. This is the type McKee had put in.

RELATED: Important News for Women Weighing Birth Control Options: New Research Finds IUDs Could Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk as Much as 32%

Benefits of Hormonal Birth Control

We’d like to note that the hormone-coated IUD is known to lower the risk for uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancers.

“The incidence of uterine cancer is on the rise, especially in obese women,” Dr. Chase points out. “That’s because fat in the body has an enzyme that converts androgyn to estrogen. It’s thought that this process contributes to cells in the uterine lining to proliferate. But studies have shown that an hormone- coated IUD helps to prevent the disease.”

When it comes to cervical cancer, the latest research suggests the benefit is significant. The IUD may reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by as much as 30%.

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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