Life-saving treatment backedby citywoman
A GLASGOW woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer has urged for more people to get checked.
Lisa Maher got the diagnosis after taking a routine smear test when she was 25.
Ten days after her screening, Lisa had the remaining cancerous cells removed and went for a smear test every six months for five years to monitor any changes.
Now 30-years-old, the mother-oftwo is part of a campaign, nip cervical cancer in the bud, to get women talking about the disease and raise awareness about the simple test that saved her life.
Lisa said: “When my first smear invitation came in, I didn’t think twice about it. It detected abnormal cells and I was asked to come back for another smear six months later.
“I was relieved when those results came back as normal.
“Three years later when I was invited for my next routine smear, abnormal cells were detected again and I was referred to the colposcopy clinic to have them removed.
“The sample was tested and I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The news was a big shock, I didn’t think I would be diagnosed with cancer, especially at such a young age.”
A film, called Flower, has been created for the campaign which challenges the reasons women give for not attending the five-minute test.
With six women being diagnosed with cervical cancer every week in Scotland, the film urges viewers to nip cervical cancer in the bud by not ignoring their next smear invite or contacting their GP practice if they missed their last one.
The campaign will target those aged 25 and 35-years-old, as cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women of this age group. Figures also show that between April 1, 2015 and March 31, last year, one in three women admitted not going to get checked when invited.
Lisa added: “I was trying for a baby when I was diagnosed and it’s thanks to cervical screening that I’ve been able to go on and have my two beautiful children.
“If I hadn’t gone for my smear test when I did, my story could’ve been very different. It’s vital we get people talking about cervical screening again, because the smear test can be a life-saver.”
Christine Paterson, a practice nurse with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “No-one looks forward to a smear appointment, but I want to reassure women that we’re trained to make the test go as smoothly as possible.
“I’ve done hundreds of smear tests and afterwards, most women – especially those that it’s their first time – are surprised by how quickly it’s all over.
“Of course, it can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no such thing as a silly question, that’s what we’re here for. So, don’t ignore your next smear invite, and if you missed your last smear test, contact your GP practice to find a time that suits you.”
A smear test can detect cells that could turn into cancer.
It is the most effective way to protect women from the disease and helps save around 5000 lives a year in the UK.