'Botched smear results mean I'll never be a mum - my insides are a mess'
A woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer said she's been left "devastated" by the NHS's decision to increase the gap between cervical smear tests. From July onwards, women aged 25 to 49 who have tested negative for high-risk HPV will see their Pap smear routine change from every three years to every five years.
This shift is based on new clinical evidence that supports HPV testing as a reliable method for identifying those at risk of cervical cancer, thus allowing for more extended intervals between check-ups without risking safety. Nevertheless, the adjustment has sparked fear in some women, who believe that less frequent testing could cause cases to be missed.
For Sarah Waters, who received her cervical cancer diagnosis after a regular screening, this update is harrowing. She insists that frequent tests are "absolutely crucial".
Her scheduled smear test in 2020 was delayed due to the pandemic, but she finally got an appointment and underwent screening on April 1, 2022.
The 33 year old presumed all was well when she didn't receive immediate feedback, and so she flew off to Spain at the end of May. Yet, when she returned to her home in Prescot on June 2, she discovered "urgent letters" instructing her to visit the hospital following concerning screening results, reports the Liverpool Echo.
On June 22, the singer was dealt a crushing blow with a diagnosis of a rare form of cervical cancer known as poorly-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Described as "aggressive, fast growing and invasive" the news came as "a complete shock" to Sarah, who subsequently underwent a full hysterectomy.
This procedure has sadly eliminated her chances of having biological children, leaving her feeling "broken".
She revealed that she is "suffering with menopause really badly", adding: "I can't believe it when I'm there having a hot flush, or brain fog, it's a nightmare."
Post-surgery, Sarah was confronted with further distressing news - the cancer had metastasised to her lymph nodes, necessitating eight weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Sarah alleges that the radiotherapy treatment "absolutely messed up [her] insides" - she now grapples with additional health issues, including bowel problems.
What's more, her cancer diagnosis came after irregular findings on her 2018 smear were ignored.
Sarah disclosed: "I found out in 2023, exactly a year after I was diagnosed, a smear test I had in 2018 showed abnormalities and was recorded as negative - a false negative result. If they had recorded it accurately, I would have gone back before then and it probably would have prevented everything that's happened."
When questioned about recent changes in NHS policy, Sarah labelled them as "ridiculous", asserting that regular smear tests are "absolutely crucial".
Cancer Research UK maintains that cervical screening is typically 'very effective', but acknowledges the risk of cell changes being overlooked, leading to a false negative result.
Sarah shared her distressing story, grappling with the long-term impacts of her health: "I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that my life is ruined. I can't have a child, I'm in the menopause, I couldn't work for a long time and I've got all these problems with my bowels and stuff."
Addressing concerns about the screening process, she stated: "This change could cost lives. Some people have passed away because it's been too late. It's a screening program. There's always a chance it could be a false negative which means surely we should have more regular screening programs to make sure we're checking?".
She further criticised the extended intervals between screenings: "The fact that they're making it longer is ridiculous. In my experience, it was four years from my previous smear test. I had cancer, and there was no margin, it wasn't even just a bit. I had cancer, and I had to go straight for a hysterectomy. That was my only option."
Highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy, Sarah argued: "I do think the minimum age should be lowered too, some can get cancer at 24, you just don't know what is happening. As well though, the HPV virus, many parents don't let their kids get the vaccine and HPV can develop in cervical cancer."
Emphasising the invisibility of internal health issues, she said: "Everything can look normal but you don't know what's happening inside."
In an urgent plea, Sarah encouraged women to stay on top of their health checks: "Make sure you go regularly, it shouldn't get to that. Please just don't put it off, it can save your life."
For those seeking more details regarding cervical screening, the NHS website offers comprehensive information.
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