Sheffield cervical cancer survivor urges women to get screened
A Sheffield mum who had to have her ovaries removed as a result of cervical cancer is urging women to go for smear tests regularly.
A Sheffield mum who had to have her ovaries removed as a result of cervical cancer is urging women to go for smear tests regularly.
Figures show a fifth of women in South Yorkshire don't accept their invitation to be screened for cervical cancer.
Lea Booker's now in remission after being diagnosed with the disease three years ago - but she had to have radical hysterectomy, which involved the removal of her ovaries.
She's told Hallam it completely changed her life:
"It was devastating really. We wanted to try for another kid but couldn't have one. It upset the whole family - you don't expect it to happen to you. My children thought I was going to die - we didn't hold it back from them, we were honest. Luckily I'm one of those who've come out the other side. Touch wood."
On Cervical Cancer Awareness week, Lea's urging people to go for smear tests regularly
Cervical screening can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers from developing.
Lea says it's worth going for a test if it means you won't end up in the position she was:
"Having that smear test that takes 5 minutes compared with what you have to go through if you have a diagnosis if you get cervical cancer, it's unreal. My operation took 9 hours. I have examinations every 6 months now - they're worse than having a smear test. That 5 minutes - it could save your life."
"Even if your smear tests are alright and up to date, and you do experience symptoms, do go back to the doctors. It could be cancer, it could not be but obviously push for examinations, push for investigations because I didn't, and obviously if I had have done I might not have had to have radical hysterectomy, it could have probably been treating with another form."
Lea wants women to make sure they're getting tested regularly - as her doctor missed the cancer the first time:
"She couldn't see anything. In hindsight now, I wish I had asked to have been referred to have investigations but you trust what doctors say to you and you think they know what you're on about. I just think if I had have asked for those tests even more, would they have sent me for them or not? You just don't know."
You can find out more information about cervical cancer here.