"Stop being a wuss", say Leeds cervical cancer survivors pleading for women to get their smear tests.
After Leeds Live reporter Lucy Marshall spoke out about what it was like going for her first cervical screening - dubbing it a lot less scarier than expected - a number of cancer survivors have now come forward, urging for more awareness, and women to book their appointments.
It is commonly known that a lot of women do put off the test in fear of embarrassment, or worry about the outcome. For those who are not aware, pap smear tests can detect cervical cancer and/or any unusual changes down below. The doctor takes a cluster of cells from a woman's cervix to be examined and if HPV is found, the individual is called back in for a further examination. The results come back in six weeks.
One Leeds resident, Racheal Wheeler has started a petition called 'Don't Be A Diva It's Only A Beaver', in a bid to improve smear test and cervical cancer awareness. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer earlier this week when grade two pre cancerous cells were found.
She said: "I would never of known if I hadn’t gone for my smear. So I want to use my experience to help others and get something done about this. There is not enough awareness. I had my smear cancelled three times. I was told it was not an emergency appointment/ not urgent.
"There is not enough awareness of the importance of the smear test. There are 99.8 percent preventable cases of cervical cancer and that would be just through having a smear. Let’s get women talking about cervical cancer and give it the awareness and recognition it deserves. Life is important and too short."
Lizzie Massey said she was thankful for early detection at a young age, and urges people in their 20s not to neglect it. She said: "I was 24 when I was diagnosed early stage so just because we are younger doesn't mean it's impossible."
Lorna Tyson, who lives in Leeds, added: "I was a mother of four little boys. Their so-called father left us with a mortgage bills etc. I had my smear and found out I had cervical cancer. I was 28 years old. I am now 63, and a grandmother to seven. So, stop been a wuss and get it done. The bonus is no dreaded monthly blues, and I am alive."
Sue Payne added: "Please go get your smear tests - cervical cancer isn't fun." Lisa Marsh-Shale said: "When I was much younger you had smear tests when you became sexually active. I had the tests from age 15 and 16 years old regularly. Then when I was 22 and 23 I had been diagnosed with cervical cancer."
She added: "I had an extensive hysterectomy and doctors took bits of other parts away because it had spread. They actually said if it was as bad as they thought when they went in, they would just have just sewn me up and told me I had a year to live. Thankfully I am a survivor of that at 53 now."
Jean Martin Dudley said: "It is not pleasant but not painful at all and could save your life! I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells after a smear test and luckily it was caught in time and sorted. Thank you once again NHS."
Akhona MaDeyi KaNdudane, who studied at Leeds Trinity University, said: "I thought it was a painful and scary because of the bad stories I heard from people , but it wasn't like what I heard. I'm so grateful that I look forward all the time when I'm due for it. My consultant is doing great no complaints in LGI hospital and my GP in East Park medical centre."
Julie Haley added: "Today's test is done with a fine brush you can't even feel. If you can have sex and babies then get it done." Melanie Gregson said: "It's a bit undignified but most nurses are so lovely it's over in a few mins."
Sarah Jane said: "It's certainly not painful and it saves lives.... I think with people it more dignity and embarrassment. But if you've had children your dignity walks out the door when you've given birth."
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