A local woman has explained the importance of cervical screening and colposcopy after the initial test discovered pre-cancerous cells.
The coronavirus pandemic has put a strain on hospital and GP services, meaning that some surgeries may have postponed planned cervical screenings.
But women who have been invited to attend their screenings should attend despite the pandemic knowing that rigorous safety measures have been put in place.
A study produced by a national cancer charity found that COVID-19 has led to more people being hesitant to go for a smear test, with 9% now saying they definitely would not attend and 22% less likely to attend.
Smear tests are estimated to save 5,000 lives every year as they detect the HPV virus and pre-cancerous cells in the cervix.
One local resident, Sarah, has shared her experience of getting a smear test during the pandemic, and explained the importance after discovering she has pre-cancerous cells.
After the smear test, which she put off once before, Sarah received a letter stating that it indicated she had abnormal cells. Weeks later she then attended the Colposcopy Clinic at Milton Keynes University Hospital for further tests and a biopsy, and commended hospital staff for how supportive they were.
One nurse sat beside Sarah and told her that she would be there throughout, which Sarah says was "the most reassuring thing in the world". She added: "COVID aside, she was just amazing. The colposcopy nurse explained everything she was doing by the nth degree, she was amazing."
There were "no shocks" and "no surprises" during her time at the Colposcopy Clinic.
After the tests were complete, Sarah went home and two weeks later received her final results. The tests confirmed that she did in fact have abnormal pre-cancerous cells but they were "of the lower range" and were "mild".
Sarah must now return for a smear test in a year compared to the standard five years to monitor the cells.
She concluded: "I look forward to repeating it in a year's time."
Symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for include:
- bleeding between periods
- vaginal spotting or unusual discharge
- pain during sex
- bleeding after sex
- pain in your pelvis - anywhere between your belly button and the top of your thighs
If you are worried about symptoms that might mean you have cervical cancer, phone your GP. Never ignore symptoms.
READ MORE: Milton Keynes women urged to go to cervical cancer screenings during coronavirus pandemic
