Hello loveliessss
This post is something a little bit different but ever so important.
So this week has seen "Cervical Cancer Awareness Month" and I thought it would be an idea to spread the message and raise awareness too. I've been researching and finding out the facts for you and hopefully you'll learn something along the way.
Every day in the UK, 9 women are diagnosed with the disease and most commonly, it effects women aged between 35-40. That's not to say us younger girls are safe. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women do not go and get tested, I find that figure so shocking! 25% of our female population are in the dark about their health.
Cervical Cancer symptoms.
- Light/spot bleeding before or after your period
-Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after the menopause
-Pain during intercourse
- A change in vaginal discharge.
The symptoms of cervical cancer are the same as a lot of other female related issues so if you have these symptoms, don't fear the worst straight away. Just get yourself booked in for a test.
Testing.
Lets discuss the taboo subject of smear tests. 75% of cervical cancer is detected through a simple smear test with your local nurse. The test takes around two minuets and could literally save your life.
Okay, so the smear is a very invasive test, and not at all pleasant but I promise you its worth it. You'll be asked to lay on your back and the nurse will insert a small speculum , the speculum will open and the nurse will able to reach your cervix. A long brush type swab is then inserted and a sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. The speculum is removed and it's as easy as that. The test doesn't really hurt, it's just a slight scratch inside but doesn't last any longer that 5 seconds.
Who can be tested?
Once you reach the age of 25 it is advised you get a smear test every few years, you'll receive a reminder through the post when it's time for testing. Women under the age of 25 can be tested earlier if your experiencing problems. It's not recommended to get tested before you've become sexually active as the test may be more painful and uncomfortable. If you have a family history of cervical cancer, you can also be tested early.
Results
Your sample will be sent to a laboratory and tested. You can get your results 5 days after your test by ringing the surgery you visited. If your results come back clear you won't have to get tested again for another 2-3 years (Unless you've been recommended otherwise) If there is an abnormality found in your results, don't panic! A smear will detect any abnormalities in cervical cells but that doesn't always mean it's cancer. Book an appointment with your doctor to discus your results and take it from there.
My story
When I was around 19-20 years old, I experienced continual vaginal bleeding for 10 months straight.and I was back and forth with doctors and gynaecologists trying to find the problem. I kept being told I was too young for a smear test and they put off testing me for 6 months. As the symptoms continued and I was experiencing horrendous cramping and pelvic pain, I began looking up my symptoms on like and that made everything worse. I told my doctor that I WANT to be tested, just to rule out cancer and put my mind at rest. He granted my request and I was booked in with a lovely nurse who was gentle and helped calm my nerves by explaining everything to me. 5 days later I rang up for my results and I was told there was an abnormality on my cervix. Obviously, I freaked out and feared the worst. The following week I met with the doctor to discuss my results and I was told that a mosaic pattern of cells has formed on my cervix and it was explained that I'd need to undergo a very minor procedure to get them removed and told that if left untreated they could develop into cancerous cells. Obviously this was terrifying but there was no way I wasn't going to have this procedure. After a few weeks I visited a clinic at my local hospital with my mum and I met with a specialist. He was by far the best medical professional I've had and talked me through absolutely everything. He could tell I was extremely anxious but made me feel more comfortable with the whole thing. The procedure took around half hour (But it felt like life time) An aesthetic spray numbed my insides and an odd looking tool (like a slingshot) was inserted. This tool scraped off the cell pattern using an electrical current and I was in and out within an hour. The procedure was incredibly uncomfortable and undignified but it potentially saved my life. I'm so thankful for the amazing team of professionals at Lister hospital gynaecology department for making everything a lot easier to deal with.
After that, I had to have regular smear tests every 6 months for 2 years, just to make sure the cells didn't return. It's now been 4 years and I'm all in the clear.
The moral of the story, A simple smear test detected something that was potentially life threatening. Remember, YOU know your own body and it something isn't right. Don't let people tell you that you're too YOUNG. Cancer has no age, get yourself tested.
Support teams.
There are so many support networks and charities around that help women and offer advice and information. I've listed a few below.
Hopefully you've learned something here and I hope you're all going to go to your next smear test. It's not as bad as you think, I promise. If you have any questions or need advice pop me an email and I'll do my best to help.
I'd really appriciate if you could share this with your girl friends, just to spread the awareness.
Kisses and Love
Jazziepickles
xoxo
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