Cervical screening a must and a life-saver

I WRITE in response to the Western Mail feature (“Cervical cancer isn’t something that just happens to those over 25”, February 1).

Then living in Cardiff, at the age of 36 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer following a regular routine smear test. I believe that the age of screening should be lowered as it is considered a silent killer, as in my case.

In November 1994 I went to my GP for my routine smear. Following the results of the test, I was referred by my GP to the hospital for a biopsy. Although the procedure went fine, I was told I had to see a consultant gynaecologist, and after a discussion I was admitted to the ward for a cone biopsy, where they remove a cone-shaped piece of cervix for testing. It wasn’t good news and the consultant told me that I had cervical cancer.

He said I had a tumour on my cervix and in my womb and I needed a radical hysterectomy, which meant removing the cervix, womb and the lymph glands in the pelvis. I was told by my consultant should I not undergo the operation, my life expectancy would be six to 12 months.

I felt fine and had no backaches, bleeding or symptoms of not feeling well. In fact, until then I was carrying out my work duties at the hospital as normal and couldn’t have been happier. The consultant was understanding, and the oncology nurse was there for support. She helped me every step of the way. I went straight to the X-ray department so they could scan my groin area to find out if the cancer had spread. It hadn’t.

I asked the doctor if there were any alternatives to hysterectomy as I was keen to have a child. He said I could have radiotherapy instead but the prognosis wouldn’t be good.

My consultant told me before the operation where my tumours were and what was going to happen. Until they operated and had a look around they couldn’t be sure the cancer hadn’t spread. I was frightened about what they might find.

I was in hospital for three weeks after my hysterectomy. When the results came back they said everything was fine and there was no sign of any other tumours. However, the consultant would keep a close eye on me just in case.

It’s now 25 years post op and, now happily married, I’m still finding it hard to come to terms with the fact I’ll never have children, although I must be grateful the cancer hasn’t returned.

I’ve always had regular smears, so it’s a mystery why it came on so quickly, which was more frightening.

So I would say to any woman: “Forget the fear, have the smear before it’s too late to operate”.

If I hadn’t had the smear test, I wouldn’t be here today. Mandy Needs (formerly Abberley) Caldicot