Cancer survivor Marianne tells the woman: Don’t miss your smear test as I did

Marianne Nickholson, a legal secretary at Saintfield helping Northern Ireland’s Cancer Focus highlight signs and symptoms of illness during cervical cancer prevention week, said going to a smear when a woman was called “Required”.

Marianne (44) said: “Since the diagnosis, I have been very enthusiastic about raising awareness. Early diagnosis saves lives, so not only do I have regular smear tests when called, but something seems wrong. If so, the woman should also contact her GP. “

Marianne was diagnosed with stage 1b1 cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma) in July 2017 after undergoing a smear test for the first time in four years. She ignored her daily three-year invitation.

Marianne had been bleeding abnormally with back pain for several months, but thought that the pill she was taking was causing havoc in her system. After a friend urged her to go to the smear test, she realized she had cervical cancer.

“There is nothing to prepare for being told that you have cancer,” she said. “But you can accept it and manage to get your life done. My surgery, total hysterectomy with lymph node resection, is scheduled for September 2017 and has been successful. I’ve done it. I also had endometriosis, which was removed with my tumor.

“The aftermath of cancer and major surgery was up and down, but I think I was able to deal with it better than I had expected. I returned to work six weeks later, so to speak, returning to a” normal “life. I felt it, so it was very helpful.

“I had major surgery, but now I’m on the other side. I’m trying to take a more positive view of life and tell myself that it might have been much worse for me. I’m telling you. I’m still having a strange bad day, but I’ll get over it and regain myself. “

Marianne urged women not to miss a smear test appointment

“I’m worried that some women won’t go when asked for a promise. Women need to understand how important smears are in detecting cervical cancer and be aware of the signs. There is, “she said.

Naomi Thompson, Senior Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus NI, said: “In Northern Ireland, about 100 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The Smear test is designed to find abnormal changes before the cancer develops. This was called. That’s why sometimes going to a smear test is so important. “

“Women between the ages of 25 and 50 are invited to a cervical examination every three years and every five years between the ages of 50 and 64. Last year, the examination program was suspended for four months due to Covid-19. It has been unprocessed. However, if a woman has a medical examination, we would like you to continue accepting invitations to the medical examination.

“When you make an appointment, your GP can advise you on all the steps they are taking to keep you and their staff safe at this time. Symptoms while waiting for an invitation. It is important to be aware of this. If you have any symptoms, you should report them to your doctor as soon as possible. “

Naomi further said: “HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is also available to adolescents aged 12 and 13 and can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 70%.

“Often there are no symptoms of cervical cancer. However, if you notice post-menstrual bleeding, menstrual bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, heavy secretions, or pain during sexual intercourse, call your doctor. Please consult.

“These symptoms are often caused by something less serious and usually do not mean that it is cancer. However, early detection of cancer makes it easier to treat. A trip to a doctor can save lives. Check out if in doubt. If it’s not serious, your mind will calm down. “

For more information, please visit www.cancerfocusni.org/cancer-info.