'A smear test saved my life' says Peterborough cancer survivor

A woman who survived cervical cancer has stressed the importance of smear tests, saying they saved her life.

Stacey Roberts, 37, from Peterborough, has been in remission for three years since being diagnosed with the disease at 34 and said she was “proud” of her progress.

NHS England said around one in three women would be advised to undergo cervical cancer screening, despite 75% of cervical cancers being preventable through testing.

“Screenings save lives,” Roberts said. “Screenings saved me. It's uncomfortable, but it's important to think about the bigger picture.”

North West Anglia Foundation Trust has renewed its appeal for women to book their smear tests during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which runs from 20 to 26 January.

Screening tests for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the virus that causes it. cervical cancer – It will also be offered by the NHS to all women aged 25 to 64 and people with a cervix.

This test involves taking a sample of cells from your cervix. If abnormal cells are found, they can be removed or monitored to prevent cancer from developing.

However, the latest NHS data in England shows that more than five million eligible women do not receive regular check-ups, with women aged 25 to 29 having the lowest rates (58%).

NHS England says that in 2022-23, 74% of women aged over 50 who were invited to take part did so.

Roberts, a mother of two, recalled that she had no symptoms and was “healthy and active” when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

She said: “When I was told at the hospital that I had cancer, I felt numb.

“I kept thinking about my children…the emotions I went through…I've been in remission for three years, but I still look back and think…it was tough,” she said.

“If I can help just one person and encourage them to get tested, then I have done a good thing.

“Sometimes I talk about myself at school events, but people say things like, “It's embarrassing, it's unpleasant.'' But I say that the pain is worth it.

“I'm glad I got tested. What happens if I don't get tested? When you think about children growing up without their mothers… you have to think bigger.”

Some women told the BBC they faced “cultural barriers” or “health issues” that prevented them from getting a smear test.

A woman with a disability, who asked to remain anonymous, said she felt the facility was “inaccessible” and the table used for the test was “too high to climb on.”

Another woman from Peterborough, who has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that causes irregular bleeding, said her symptoms were impacting her ability to get a smear test in a timely manner.

Dr Shabina Asad-Khayyam, a GP and councilor and cabinet member for health and adult social care at Peterborough City Council, said the city had a diverse population and there was “hard evidence that intake is low only from within certain cultures”. No,” he said. ”.

Additionally, “there is a perception that women of certain ethnicities who are not sexually active may not be able to get tested. Testing is seen as an invasive procedure, and culturally sexual health is a sensitive topic.” That's why,” he added.

“But we need more educational insights into how to make women aware of tests that can save lives.

“Provisions are always made for those who share that they have specific requirements.

“Please feel free to speak to us in an open manner and rest assured that we will listen to their concerns and work to make them feel comfortable.”

According to Cancer Research UK, cervical cancer screening saves at least 2,000 lives each year in the UK.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS said: 'The North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Care Partnership, part of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, is funded by the East of England Cancer Alliance. , we run outreach clinics and educational sessions to encourage people who have not previously received cancer treatment.” Have you had a cervical cancer screening test or haven't had one in a long time?

“To raise awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening, engage diverse communities, and overcome local language and cultural barriers, a variety of cervical cancer screening factual videos are available in multiple languages. It's being recorded.”