Terminal cancer mum, 30, whose tumour was only spotted during pregnancy scan
A YOUNG mother with terminal cervical cancer is calling for annual smear tests to help save others from the same fate.
Ellie Taylor, 30, had her first smear test in 2014 and was told to come back in three years as there was nothing abnormal.
But a polyp was discovered in her cervix in 2017, during her final ultrascan before the birth of her second daughter, Isla. Tests confirmed she had a 1.5 inch tumour, and that the cancer had spread throughout her body. Told she had five years to live, Mrs Taylor decided to speak out, urging the NHS to rethink its smear testing policies.
At present, smear tests are offered once every three years for women aged 25 to 49 – although Public Health England say this could be extended to every five years. Mrs Taylor said: ‘It’s not good enough. I think we need far more regular cervical screening and from a younger age. When I say regular I mean every year, not every three years, and smear tests should start as soon as women are sexually active.’
She added: ‘I’m living proof that you can do everything right according to our current NHS guidelines and still end up with cervical cancer that is terminal.’
Doctors initially told her not to worry when they discovered the polyp, as her previous smear test had showed normal results.
She was referred for a colposcopy, where the cervix is examined with a microscope, as a precaution – and was then told she had cancer. Mrs Taylor, a former short film producer from Newbury, Berkshire, said she was told it was ‘horrendous, awful, bad luck,’ adding that she had been so relaxed about the appointment, she went without her husband, Tom.
‘When I got home from the colposcopy, Tom answered the door and I just collapsed into him. He led me to the sofa and we sat and hugged and cried,’ she said. ‘Two weeks later the biopsy results confirmed that it was indeed cervical cancer and they said I would need a hysterectomy.’ After the hysterectomy, sharp pains in her lower back and pelvis led to further tests – and she was told the cancer had spread to her pelvic wall and stomach. Surgery was no longer an option, and doctors told Mrs Taylor she had five years to live.
Seven rounds of chemotherapy have helped shrink her tumours, but the prognosis remains the same. Mrs Taylor said: ‘I remember standing in the kitchen trying not to scream because I was so angry at the world.’
She added: ‘Nobody deserves this and nobody should have to go through it. So if I can change that for somebody by raising awareness then that’s a real win.’
Ten years ago today, reality TV star Jade Goody died from cervical cancer aged just 27 – triggering a national debate about smear tests. Nine out of ten cases of cervical cancer are caused by the HPV virus, usually transmitted through sexual contact.
Public Health England yesterday said: ‘Evidence suggests that once a woman has HPV it takes ten years to develop a cancer,’ which ‘raises the possibility of extending intervals’ between smear tests.