I HADN’T heard much about cervical cancer until Jade Goody’s public diagnosis in 2008.
But when I was 23 years old, I began experiencing three out of the four main symptoms.
Vikki Ellis was diagnosed with cervical cancer after her symptoms were dismissed for two years[/caption]
The mum-of-one was displaying three out of four of the most common signs[/caption]
Sex was painful, I had irregular discharge, and I was having a lot of lower back pain.
I was rightly concerned, so I requested a smear test from my GP.
But my worries were dismissed as I was deemed too young for a cervical screening, which are only offered to women over 25.
Doctors also said that because I wasn’t bleeding, one of the primary symptoms of cervical cancer, my problems were likely caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), despite all tests coming back negative.
This was hugely embarrassing and led to doubts about my relationship with my partner of 10 years, Scott.
It was almost like they were accusing one of us of having an affair.
But I accepted what was said, as I assumed the doctor knew better than me.
I didn’t challenge the decision, I just left with no answer as to what was wrong with me.
I had symptoms for around two years, and it wasn’t until I turned 25 in November 2014 and received an invitation for a routine smear test that action was taken.
The results from my first test were inconclusive, so I had a second one the following month, which showed abnormal cells.
At that point I just knew in my gut that it was going to be cancer.
Having had no definitive answer for two years, I felt this was the only option left.
I remember receiving a call while sitting in my car, asking me to come to the hospital for an appointment. They told me to bring someone with me.
I drove to my dad’s house, knocked on the door, and just burst into tears.
He went completely silent. I was totally washed out and didn’t feel like I could fully comprehend what was happening.
I was so incredibly scared. I thought, ‘This is it’. I was 25 years young and I was about to be told I had cancer.
All I remembered about the conversation was that they were referring me to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
As I had anticipated, I was diagnosed with stage 1A2 cervical cancer, meaning it had grown up to 5mm into cervical tissues.
It was caught early enough and I was very lucky, but it was probably there for 18 months or so before my actual diagnosis.
My biggest regret is not backing myself when I knew something was wrong
Vikki Ellis
When you’re told you have cancer, it’s easier to talk to other people who are going through the same experiences.
You feel like everyone else is falling apart around you at the news and you need to stay strong for them.
I had the odd cry here and there, but then I just got on with it.
It was almost like an instinct in my body; I knew I had to fight this, I didn’t have a choice.
In June 2015, I had an operation at the Royal Marsden to remove the disease.
When I was told I needed to have surgery, I was in utter shock.
At 25, I was told that doctors were removing most of my cervix and I might have difficulty carrying a child.
I was so worried. Though thankfully, a few years later in 2017, I had my daughter, who is now seven.
EARLY MENOPAUSE
During the operation, they also had to remove some lymph nodes from my stomach, which triggered the large nerve running down my leg.
From that, I’ve had nerve damage in my thigh, which has caused a lot of pain ever since.
Although my cancer was successfully removed, in 2020, a suspicious mass was found during my five-year check up, leading to multiple tests and the removal of non-cancerous growths.
Due to this, I opted to have a preventative hysterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove my womb) in October 2021, which, at the age of 35, led to me going into early menopause.
Since my cancer diagnosis and treatment, I now have so much more anxiety around life and death, especially after having my daughter.
I knew I needed to do anything I could to try to prevent it from coming back so I could be there for her.
Vikki with her partner Scott[/caption]
The now-35-year-old was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London[/caption]
Vikki gave birth to her daughter in 2017[/caption]
I count my lucky stars that I’m here every day, and under the care of the Royal Marsden.
I go back to have regular check-ups, scans and monitoring.
But not everyone is as lucky as I am.
There are 3,256 new cervical cancer cases every year in the UK, and 853 people lose their lives to the disease.
Only half of all patients survive for 10 or more years after their diagnosis.
Catching it early and starting treatment quickly provides the best chances of survival.
That’s why it’s absolutely vital to recognise the early symptoms, which include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain or discomfort during sex, vaginal discharge, and pain in the pelvis, and raise money for research.
Don’t beat around the bush
YOU’D probably choose a trip to the dentist over your next cervical screening, right?
Research by the Lady Garden Foundation shows almost half (46 per cent) of women aged 30 to 45 say they have intentionally put it off.
But those awkward three minutes every three years could be the ones that save your life.
Experts say 99.8 per cent of cervical cancer cases in the UK are preventable.
And despite being most common in women aged 30 to 35 and being the most common cancer in women under 35, these younger age groups are the least likely to take up their smears.
Testing is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
It’s not a test for cancer, but it helps to prevent cancer.
You will get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment, usually at your GP surgery.
- Women under 25 are invited up to six months before they turn 25.
- Those aged 25 to 49 are invited every three years, women 50 to 64 are invited every five years.
- Anyone 65 or older is only invited if a recent test was abnormal.
During the appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix.
If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix.
These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.
There is still so much work to do.
I strongly advise people not to rely on Google or AI when health concerns arise, but to book an appointment with their GP immediately and advocate for themselves.
My biggest regret is not backing myself when I knew something was wrong.
It’s so important to have your routine smear tests – particularly after childbirth, when you might forget – and we need to encourage open conversation to normalise discussions about cervical health.
I lacked guidance on gynaecological health during my own upbringing and I want to make sure my daughter has a better foundation.
We have begun to have age-appropriate conversations to provide her with a basic understanding.
I would never want my daughter to miss a smear test.
If you are concerned about your symptoms and you are continuing to be dismissed, don’t be afraid to speak up.
You know your body better than anyone.
By Vikki Ellis, 35, a project manager, mum and wife from Eastbourne, East Sussex – as told to Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor
Vikki never wants her daughter to miss a single smear test[/caption]
The family, from Eastbourne, East Sussex[/caption]
Vikki is urging women to advocate for themselves[/caption]
‘You know your body better than anyone,’ she says[/caption]
How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK
