Jade Goody died on March 22 2009 aged just 23. Following her high-profile death from cervical cancer the number of women attending GP surgeries for routine smear tests increased by over 20%.

However, for those aged under 25 getting a smear is proving to be a struggle.
Natalia Brown, 20, has been refused a cervical smear test repeatedly by her GPs’ surgery, despite being in a high risk group.

Cancer Research UK’s November statistics say that there are 2,800 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year, which is almost 55 women a week. Of those 2,800 women, 940 will die from the disease, 80% of those will be aged over 45.

The standard age for women to be offered their first smear test is 25.

This is a simple procedure that involves taking cells from the cervix and sending them off to a lab to be looked at.

Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus which is commonly known as HPV. HPV is also commonly known as the wart virus.

Many women’s immune systems are able to fight off the infection although when it isn’t strong enough that’s when they are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Women in high risk groups include: women with HIV/AIDS; women with a sister or mother who has had cervical cancer; women who smoke and who use or have used the oral contraceptive pill long term.

If the infection is caught via a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes simplex virus-2 or Chlamydia trachomatis, where some symptoms can go undetected for long periods, the risk of HPV is increased.

Like many other teenage girls Natalia suffered from painful and irregular periods.

After a visit to her GP she was first prescribed the contraceptive pill aged just 12.

At that age she wasn’t given any advice about the effects the medication could have on her body, neither was she quizzed about her family medical history.

One of the first reasons for being in the high risk groups for cervical cancer is the use of contraceptive pills from an early age.

“It wasn’t until years later that by chance I discovered not only was I putting myself at high risk of cervical cancer by being on this medication, but my mother had suffered from cervical cancer aged just 34,” said Natalia.

“Although my mum came out of the cancer with a smile, there is no denying the experience had been traumatic and terrifying. To think she had three children at home and this had happened. Luckily a routine smear test caught the cancer early on and the NHS swooped in and acted with speed and proficiency.”

When Natalia voiced her concerns to her GP at the age of 16 the practice nurse told her that there was nothing that could be done until she was 25.

After speaking to a nurse she was told that a gynaecologist would agree to a patient under the age of 25 being given a smear test only if enough symptoms had arisen.

On April 2 2009 Natalia gave birth to her first daughter.

“The pregnancy came as shock and a difficult pregnancy and labour did not make for a good start to motherhood. Aside from the joys and tribulations of my daughter’s birth I now had the added factor of childbirth as an added risk of cervical cancer.”

As with any new mum Natalia was offered a post pregnancy appointment, in which Natalia reported some irregular, strange bleeding and pain during intercourse. Her doctor offered to do some tests, and this involved having an internal swab.

“This was daunting after having multiple invasive swabs and exams during my pregnancy and labour. Even at the exam I was not given an explanation of what was being done and looked for, nor have I been told since. At the exam, however, the nurse did offer a smear until she saw my age at which point I was again told I was too young.”

Natalia remains concerned about what the future might hold.

“Knowing I have so many contributing factors to the build up of cervical cancer scares me.

“I have a daughter and a life ahead of me. The thought that not being able to have the smear test offered to me for another four to five years sickens me, these things are so easily diagnosed yet I don’t stand a chance.”

In September 2008 the NHS launched a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against the virus. There is also a three year catch up campaign that will offer the vaccine to 13-18 year old girls.

The programme is run largely through secondary schools over a six month period.

Since 2008 over 1.4 million teenagers in the UK have been vaccinated against the disease. The next time these girls will be tested for cervical cancer will be 12 years later, after they have celebrated their 25th birthdays.

However it’s been revealed that a cure for the cancer could be available by 2013.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine in the United States have successfully eradicated cervical cancer with two Government-approved drugs. The drugs work by blocking the hormones that trigger the production of cancerous cells, clear pre cancerous growths, and prevent the onset of the cancer.

The drugs must now undergo extensive clinical trials in the UK.

Dr Laura Bell from Cancer Research said: “There are around 300 clinical trials in the UK taking place. So, while this new discovery looks very promising, like many other treatments it will be several years until it could be widely available.”

 If you have any concerns about cervical cancer never hesitate to make an appointment with you local GP or practice nurse, or for further information visit:

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/cervix/

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cancer-of-the-cervix/Pages/Introduction.aspx

or call: 0845 4647

TAGS: Birth, Cancer, Cancer Research, Cervical, Cervical Cancer, Contraceptive, Hopper, HPV Vaccine, Jade Goody, Jessica, jessica hopper, Natalia Brown, NHS, Smear Test