Cancer survivor Hayley from Stockport is speaking out about having cervical cancer to raise awareness during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which runs from 23 to 29 January.

Hayley Lewis, a support worker, from Stockport, booked her routine cervical screening test (often known as a ‘smear test’) in January last year after receiving her invite from the NHS.

The busy mum-of-one had initially put the letter to one side. But when a reminder letter came, she booked the appointment. It turned out to be a very important decision.

Hayley said: “I had no symptoms but went for the routine smear test after getting my letter and a reminder letter.

“When I had my test done the nurse said my cervix looked inflamed.”

Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer. The majority of women and people with a cervix who go for screening do not need further investigation. Those who do, often have pre-cancerous cells removed and are then monitored without further action.

However, in Hayley’s case further investigations were needed. She was referred to Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport for further tests and had a colposcopy – where a specialist nurse or doctor takes a closer look at the cervix (the opening to the womb from the vagina). She was then referred to The Christie Hospital where the doctor told her she had cervical cancer, which fortunately had been caught early. Hayley had surgery - a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the uterus), which was successful in removing the cancer. As a result, she didn’t require any further treatment such as chemotherapy.

Hayley said: “I’m so glad I went for my appointment. I didn’t have any symptoms or anything that screamed out to me to suggest something was wrong, so it was such a shock to learn I had cervical cancer.

“It all happened so fast. I went from having the test to having my treatment all within a month so there was a lot to get my head around!

“I have a 12-year-old boy and that kept going through my head. I just kept thinking I will do whatever treatment they advise to make sure I can see my son grow up.

“I always had a bit of a fear of going for my cervical screening. I’m lucky I went for it when I did. I believe it definitely saved my life. If I hadn’t gone, I’d still be sat here not knowing.

“I think a lot of people fear it, but I’m absolute proof you should go.”

Hayley now has regular check-ups with the gynaecology team at The Christie, is cancer-free and doing well.

Hayley said: “If you get your cervical screening letter don’t hesitate to go and get it done. It’s a matter of life and death and it really could save your life!”

Estimates suggest 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented if all those who are eligible attended cervical screening when invited by the NHS*. Avoiding smoking and ensuring that young people (both boys and girls) receive the HPV vaccination could also help reduce risk even further in the future.

“Talk to your nurse about your concerns as there are often many ways they can help you to feel more at ease – including answering questions about the process, discussing any language you’d like to be used, or even using different sizes of speculum (a small tube used to see the cervix).

“And there’s no need to feel embarrassed – our nurses do these tests regularly and they want you to feel as comfortable as possible.”

• Find out what happens at a cervical screening appointment on the NHS website: NHS – What happens at your appointment
• Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 will receive an invite letter in the post. After this, when your next invite arrives will depend on your age and test result, but this is often every 3 or 5 years.
• If you missed your last appointment, lost your invite or previously opted out of screening but want to opt in again, contact your GP practice.

Dr Ali-Ross added: “It is very important to book your cervical screening test when you get your letter, just like Hayley did. Often there are no symptoms for cervical cancer, but this test can prevent it by identifying pre-cancerous changes that can be treated before cancer can develop, or identify a cancer earlier, when treatment is more successful.

“But it’s also important to look out for potential symptoms and to visit your GP if you are worried.”

The main symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Vaginal bleeding that`s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual.
• Changes to your vaginal discharge.
• Pain during sex.
• Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.

For more information visit the NHS website.

To see this story including a video of Hayley talking about her experiences visit the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance site.