Liverpool cervical cancer survivor admits she wouldn't be here without smear test
Rita Doyle is urging others to attend their screening
A Liverpool mum-of-two admits she probably wouldn't be here now if she didn't accept the invite to get a smear test.
Rita Doyle, 61, openly admits ignoring her first text from the NHS - but decided to go in December 2020 after a follow-up message.
That's when she found out she had cancer.
After undergoing surgery, she was told it was successful and she didn't need to go through chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Rita, speaking on Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, said:
"I would encourage all women not to do what I did and kind of brush it over and think it's not something you need to prioritise.
"It can definitely save your life"
"Yes, it's a little bit embarrassing and it's a bit possibly intimidating for some people, but it is literally two or three minutes and it can definitely save your life.
"I know for a fact if I hadn't have gone for that smear, I probably wouldn't be here now.
"It was caught relatively early, so I had extensive surgery and thankfully I didn't need to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy afterwards. But perhaps, if I had ignored that text for a little bit longer, that might have been a different outcome for me.
"So I was very lucky and I'll always say I was lucky that I was diagnosed with cancer at the time I was, because my life is great now."
Rita's now three-years post operation and her next appointment will probably be the last.
The screening checks the health of the cervix and is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25-64.
The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cell of the cervix.
If those types of HPV are found, they can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Rita adds:
"I think it's one of those cancers that people get a little bit embarrassed to talk about, and I've tried to put that embarrassment aside because particularly in Cheshire and Merseyside, we've got the lowest rate of attendance for cervical smears, but the highest rate of cervical cancer.
"Prioritise your health"
"It doesn't have to be like that. If people did go for their smear tests when they got the call, it would possible save people a lot of trauma and upset.
"I'm very keen to to share the message, to try and put your embarrassment aside and please go for your smear. Prioritise your health, because if you don't do it, no one else is going to do it for you."
Tricia Spedding, Deputy Head of Public Health for NHS England North West, said:
"Cervical screening saves thousands of lives each year and I’d encourage all women and people with a cervix who are invited for the test to not delay and book their appointment as soon as possible.
"I understand some people may be worried about the test, so if you have any concerns, please speak to your GP practice or nurse beforehand.
"You can take a friend or family member to your appointment or ask for a female sample taker, to make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible."