I put off any calls for smear tests, I was always sent the reminders but never called to make an appointment. I was either too busy, forgot, felt embarrassed by going for the test or just didn't take it seriously I suppose. It's one of those things that you think won't happen to you.
I finally made an appointment for a smear after realising I was spotting sometimes after sex, I'd had yet another reminder and thought I'd better book it. Two days later got a letter back saying it showed severe dyskaryosis and the hospital wanted me to go in for laser treatment. They took a biopsy at the same time, but the lady doing it said it looked fine, and that I'd get a letter within six weeks telling me so.
Within 48 hours I was called back into hospital and told I had cancer. That was four years ago. I had to wait several weeks for an MRI scan which would determine the stage my cancer. It was awful not knowing how advanced the cancer was. I tried to stay positive for my children, especially as all of this was happening throughout the Christmas period.
In the end, I was diagnosed with stage 1b cervical cancer and told I would have a radical hysterectomy and lymph node removal, it was an awful time and the worst part was being told I would not be able to have any more children as a result of my surgery. I was given my diagnosis on the day of my eldest daughter's birthday. It was also my eldest daughter who last year came home to tell me I had to sign this paper from school for her to have an injection. I asked her what it was for but she said she didn't know, and just handed me the piece of paper. It turned out to be the permission slip for her to have the HPV vaccine.
I sat her down and asked again if she knew what the HPV vaccine was for and why it would be important for her to have it. Of course she didn't, as she hadn't learned anything about HPV and its connection to cervical cancer.
I explained it all to her, and because she knows of my cancer diagnosis four years earlier she said 'I'm definitely having it mum!' Because of my experience I was able to have this open conversation with her, but that can't be said for everyone. It's so important that teenagers who are at vaccination age understand what the vaccine is and are given the opportunity to ask any questions or talk about their feelings or concerns. Starting these conversations from an early age may also help reduce some of the nervousness that comes when you get the letter to tell you it's time to have your smear test. It could have helped me take up my invitation sooner.
I'm so pleased that Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust are working together to educate teenagers about HPV and cervical cancer. HPV is such a common virus so I think removing the stigma that surrounds it is so important then teenagers will not be afraid of it, but will also know how they can reduce their risk of the cancers that are associated with it. I want to encourage as many teachers as possible to download the lesson plans and use them with students from year 8. Because I didn't go for a smear test my daughters have found out about cervical cancer and HPV from me, but it is so important that all teenagers get the opportunity to find out how they can reduce their risk of this awful disease.
The lesson plans are available to download here.