A Bassetlaw mum whose life was turned upside down by a cervical cancer diagnosis is adding her voice to the demand for screening time to remain at three years and not be increased to five years.
Vicki Hopkinson was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 28 and had to have a full hysterectomy in 2014. She has been campaigning ever since about the importance of cervical screening.
“The government should stop trying to play god with people’s lives and the age should be dropped to 18,” Vicki said.
“I was 24 when I had a smear test. I missed my appointment by one year and got told I had cervical cancer. If there was to be a change, I would have been 29 having a smear and I would not be here today.
“Women are waiting longer these days before starting families and the average age now is 31 – if women attend there first screening at 25 they could be told they have cancer before 30 and this would have a devastating effect especially to those who have no children. I was lucky, I already had three children by 23.”
More than 1.2 million people have already signed the online petition to say they do not want to see this change.
Vicki added: “I am one person standing for millions who need to be heard. During these hard times people don’t want to be using the NHS and they are pushing things aside. Unfortunately this means smear testing too.
“We must carry on getting regular tests, look out for cervical cancer symptoms and try to save as many lives as possible.”
Cervical cancer mainly affects sexually active women aged between 30 and 45. The best way to protect yourself is by attending cervical screening when invited.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, this is a very common virus that can be passed through any type of sexual contact with a man or a woman.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms and to contact your GP if you notice a change:
- Bleeding during or after sex
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Bleeding between your periods
- Bleeding after you have been through the menopause
Abnormal bleeding does not mean you have cervical cancer, but you should see a GP as soon as possible to get it checked out.
For further information and support, contact Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust via www.jostrust.org.uk/.