Latest news with #SarahWaters
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Botched smear results mean I'll never be a mum - my insides are a mess'
Sarah Waters, 33, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022 after a routine smear test and has since had a full hysterectomy - saying the experience left her "broken" 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.
Sky News AU
31-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
'Nicotine is addictive as heroin': Lung Foundation Australia calls for crackdown on sale of cigarettes at supermarkets
Australia's leading body for lung health is pushing the government to ban the sale of cigarettes from the nation's big supermarkets, in a bid to put health before profits. Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke has claimed it is "irresponsible" to allow people to purchase cigarettes with their milk and bread during weekly grocery shops. 'We need everyone from government to big corporations to put the lung health of Australians ahead of profits from a product that kills 66 Australians daily,' he said. 'Previous news reports have highlighted Coles estimates their cigarette sales each year is enough to kill more than 1,600 Australians and cause tobacco-related medical costs of more than $300 million a year." Former tobacco addict Sarah Waters also joined the crackdown and shared she had been a smoker for 28 years, starting at the age of 13. Ms Waters attributed her long-term addiction to the lack of restrictions prohibiting the sale of tobacco to underage people. 'It isn't easy to quit but not being able to buy cigarettes so easily would have made a big difference," she said. "When I started smoking there was no age limits in place and they were marketed to young people as being cool." Lung Foundation Australia has urged the government to restrict the number of tobacco retail outlets via their tobacco licensing schemes. A new tobacco licensing scheme is set to take effect across New South Wales from July 1, requiring all tobacco retailers and wholesalers to have a license to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products in the state. In NSW it is also illegal for any retailers other than a pharmacy to sell any type of vaping good, regardless of its nicotine content. "The federal government can support broader efforts by investigating the health and economic impacts of a generational phase out of tobacco products," Lung Foundation Australia said. Associate Professor Henry Marshall compared nicotine addition to the same as heroine and suggested the only difference between the two, is the latter cannot be bought at a supermarket. 'People who smoke deserve more help from health professionals and the government. I would like to see people demand action from the multinational tobacco companies who have known smoking causes lung cancer since before 1954 and continued to sell products to make profit off Australians," he said. "It is time we said, 'enough is enough'. 'It is hard to fight an addiction while also being able to buy tobacco products so easily.'
West Australian
31-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Lung foundation calls for supermarkets to be banned from selling tobacco
Supermarkets should be banned from selling cigarettes, the Lung Foundation of Australia says. The foundation has floated the ban as a means to stop smokers being tempted to buy a pack or a pouch alongside their groceries. 'We need everyone from government to big corporations to put the lung health of Australians ahead of profits from a product that kills 66 Australians daily,' foundation chief executive Mark Brooke said. 'Previous news reports have highlighted Coles estimates their cigarette sales each year is enough to kill more than 1600 Australians and cause tobacco-related medical costs of more than $300m a year.' Former smoker Sarah Waters has joined the campaign for cigarettes to be banned from supermarkets. Ms Waters started smoking aged 13, and continued for nearly 30 years. 'It isn't easy to quit but not being able to buy cigarettes so easily would have made a big difference. When I started smoking there was no age limits in place, and they were marketed to young people as being cool.' Prince Charles Hospital thoracic physician Henry Marshall said nicotine is as addictive as heroin. 'The difference is you can't buy heroin with your weekly shopping.' 'It is hard to fight an addiction while also being able to buy tobacco products so easily.' Professor Marshall has thrown his voice behind the lung foundation's calls for a ban. 'People who smoke deserve more help from health professionals and the government,' he said. 'I would like to see people demand action from the multinational tobacco companies who have known smoking causes lung cancer since before 1954 and continued to sell products to make profit off Australians. It is time we said, 'enough is enough'.' The Lung Foundation is calling for the government to ban supermarkets from selling tobacco products. In response, Coles said in a statement it is providing smokers with a legal way to obtain tobacco. 'Coles complies with all Commonwealth, State and Territory laws aimed at minimising the negative health effects of tobacco use, however we recognise the need to provide choice to those customers who wish to purchase these products legally,' a spokesperson told NewsWire. Woolworths has been approached for comment. Earlier this year, IGA reported it had lost $150m of revenue over three years, as tobacco black market sales skyrocketed across the country. Australians have comprehensively turned to the black market for cigarettes and tobacco, as the tax on legal smokes becomes unaffordable. The taxes the federal government takes from tobacco have plummeted from $16.3bn five years ago, to $7.4bn this year. Smoking rates have fallen from 20 per cent of the population in 2001, to about 8 per cent now, the latest government data shows.
Perth Now
31-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Push to ban ciggies from supermarkets
Supermarkets should be banned from selling cigarettes, the Lung Foundation of Australia says. The foundation has floated the ban as a means to stop smokers being tempted to buy a pack or a pouch alongside their groceries. 'We need everyone from government to big corporations to put the lung health of Australians ahead of profits from a product that kills 66 Australians daily,' foundation chief executive Mark Brooke said. 'Previous news reports have highlighted Coles estimates their cigarette sales each year is enough to kill more than 1600 Australians and cause tobacco-related medical costs of more than $300m a year.' Former smoker Sarah Waters has joined the campaign for cigarettes to be banned from supermarkets. Sales of legal cigarettes have plummeted in Australia. NewsWire Credit: NCA NewsWire Ms Waters started smoking aged 13, and continued for nearly 30 years. 'It isn't easy to quit but not being able to buy cigarettes so easily would have made a big difference. When I started smoking there was no age limits in place, and they were marketed to young people as being cool.' Prince Charles Hospital thoracic physician Henry Marshall said nicotine is as addictive as heroin. 'The difference is you can't buy heroin with your weekly shopping.' 'It is hard to fight an addiction while also being able to buy tobacco products so easily.' Professor Marshall has thrown his voice behind the lung foundation's calls for a ban. 'People who smoke deserve more help from health professionals and the government,' he said. Coles says it is providing smokers the choice to buy legal tobacco products. NewsWire / Liam Kidston Credit: News Corp Australia 'I would like to see people demand action from the multinational tobacco companies who have known smoking causes lung cancer since before 1954 and continued to sell products to make profit off Australians. It is time we said, 'enough is enough'.' The Lung Foundation is calling for the government to ban supermarkets from selling tobacco products. In response, Coles said in a statement it is providing smokers with a legal way to obtain tobacco. 'Coles complies with all Commonwealth, State and Territory laws aimed at minimising the negative health effects of tobacco use, however we recognise the need to provide choice to those customers who wish to purchase these products legally,' a spokesperson told NewsWire. Woolworths has been approached for comment. Earlier this year, IGA reported it had lost $150m of revenue over three years, as tobacco black market sales skyrocketed across the country. Australians have comprehensively turned to the black market for cigarettes and tobacco, as the tax on legal smokes becomes unaffordable. The taxes the federal government takes from tobacco have plummeted from $16.3bn five years ago, to $7.4bn this year. Smoking rates have fallen from 20 per cent of the population in 2001, to about 8 per cent now, the latest government data shows.
News.com.au
31-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Lung foundation calls for supermarkets to be banned from selling tobacco
Supermarkets should be banned from selling cigarettes, the Lung Foundation of Australia says. The foundation has floated the ban as a means to stop smokers being tempted to buy a pack or a pouch alongside their groceries. 'We need everyone from government to big corporations to put the lung health of Australians ahead of profits from a product that kills 66 Australians daily,' foundation chief executive Mark Brooke said. 'Previous news reports have highlighted Coles estimates their cigarette sales each year is enough to kill more than 1600 Australians and cause tobacco-related medical costs of more than $300m a year.' Former smoker Sarah Waters has joined the campaign for cigarettes to be banned from supermarkets. Ms Waters started smoking aged 13, and continued for nearly 30 years. 'It isn't easy to quit but not being able to buy cigarettes so easily would have made a big difference. When I started smoking there was no age limits in place, and they were marketed to young people as being cool.' Prince Charles Hospital thoracic physician Henry Marshall said nicotine is as addictive as heroin. 'The difference is you can't buy heroin with your weekly shopping.' 'It is hard to fight an addiction while also being able to buy tobacco products so easily.' Professor Marshall has thrown his voice behind the lung foundation's calls for a ban. 'People who smoke deserve more help from health professionals and the government,' he said. 'I would like to see people demand action from the multinational tobacco companies who have known smoking causes lung cancer since before 1954 and continued to sell products to make profit off Australians. It is time we said, 'enough is enough'.' The Lung Foundation is calling for the government to ban supermarkets from selling tobacco products. In response, Coles said in a statement it is providing smokers with a legal way to obtain tobacco. 'Coles complies with all Commonwealth, State and Territory laws aimed at minimising the negative health effects of tobacco use, however we recognise the need to provide choice to those customers who wish to purchase these products legally,' a spokesperson told NewsWire. Woolworths has been approached for comment. Earlier this year, IGA reported it had lost $150m of revenue over three years, as tobacco black market sales skyrocketed across the country. Australians have comprehensively turned to the black market for cigarettes and tobacco, as the tax on legal smokes becomes unaffordable. The taxes the federal government takes from tobacco have plummeted from $16.3bn five years ago, to $7.4bn this year. Smoking rates have fallen from 20 per cent of the population in 2001, to about 8 per cent now, the latest government data shows.
