I was 21 when I had laser surgery for pre-cancerous cells on my cervix. They were picked up thanks to a smear test. This was back in the days when you could get a smear test at the age of 21. Fortunately everything was cleared, but I’ve relied on those smear tests ever since.
I also met and worked with Jade Goody on several occasions. So the campaign to encourage young girls to have the cervical cancer jab has always been close to my heart.
The news that cervical cancer is on the increase in young women is devastating.
What can we do about it, as mums, aunties, sisters, cousins?
We can make sure young women are vaccinated against the HPV virus at the age of 12 or 13. We can tell headteachers like this one that they’re woefully misguided and that their ludicrous policy could put the lives of their pupils at risk in later years.
Something has to be done.
I had exactly the same thing – treatment for pre-cancerous cells (something called loop excision diathermy where they burn the cells out with a wire). It was first discovered through a routine smear when I was just 18. I went onto a higher monitoring programme, and at my next smear they had progressed so this time out came the laser. I’ve now been clear so long that I’m back to standard monitoring.
It is a brilliant initiative to vaccinate all girls against the hpv virus and absolute idiocy on the part of the head teacher who has a moral responsibility to these children.
I was wary about the jab at first (as with all new vaccinations I guess) but it’s got to be a much better idea than living in worry. I am 27 and have only have screening once (this year) for various reasons including pregnancies. I was so so scared, I also think 3 years between screening is a long time…..
Such a scary thing and can take hold so quickly.
I had a scare at 27, had a biopsy and everything. I never miss a cervical screening, which in done annually in the US, but only every 2 or so years here. The fact that there is now a vaccine against HPV is fantastic and ALL who are eligible should take full advantage. The ‘C’ word is a scary, scary thing.