Sarah's story: Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

In 2019, Sarah attended a routine cervical screening appointment with her GP, but later found out she had early-stage cervical cancer. In support of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Sarah shares her story:

"I was overdue a cervical screening appointment, but I just kept putting it off. After a while, something was niggling in the back of my mind to make the appointment, so I did, and around a week later I received a letter to say there were some abnormal cells on my cervix."

I was referred to Pontefract hospital for a colposcopy where they could take a closer look, but later found out that it was early-stage cervical cancer. Luckily, they had caught it early enough that it was treatable with LLETZ.

"The staff were brilliant. I wasn't too worried because of how reassuring and supportive they were. I later had two LLETZ treatments at Pinderfields, and after that my screening was clear."

"I've been for a few check ups since and they've all been clear, so I was lucky that the cervical cancer was caught so early on.

"Nobody should feel embarrassed or ashamed going for their screening. It takes 10 minutes out of your day. Yes it's not nice, but it's worth it and it's not as bad as people think. Don't put it off - go get checked."

Thank you Sarah for sharing your experience this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. To find out more about cervical screening, visit: nhs.uk/cervicalscreening