11/03/2024
Cervical screening saved Cathryn's life.
After putting it off for a year, following encouragement from her family, Cathryn went to her first cervical screening when she was 26.
Her results came back with abnormal cells, and after further checks she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
‘My mum had to read the diagnosis out to me repeatedly to make it feel real. All I kept thinking was, where do I go from here? I am so young and have all my life ahead of me.’
Thankfully Cathryn’s cancer was diagnosed early, and treatment was successful. She is now officially negative for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and has received the all clear after five years.
‘Please go to your screenings. The nurses have seen it all and it may feel embarrassing for you but it’s normal for them.
It’s over within five minutes and it could save your life. If you are invited, do not put it off – I wouldn’t be here today if I had.’
If you’ve been invited to a cervical screening, or if you may have missed your last appointment, book now with your GP practice. You may also be able to book with your local sexual health service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
