In 2000 I was recalled to see my GP when abnormal changes were identified during a routine smear. When I visited my GP, he took time to explain the extent of the changes. on a scaling system of between one and five, my results had come back at four. My GP advised that I needed to be seen at the hospital as soon as possible.

Two weeks later, I had a biopsy at the hospital. A week after that, I was recalled to the hospital for a loop biopsy, where the infected pre-cancerous cells were removed.

At this time, the doctors who treated me still didn't fully understand the connection between the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cervical cancer. I was advised that I could have the abnormal cells because I had been sexually active and had a baby at age 16, it could also be something to do with HPV. However, at this time I had still not been tested for HPV.

Six months later I was recalled for my first 6-monthly smear test. The nurse who performed the test asked if I was willing to be included in some of the trials to establish the connections between HPV and cervical cancer. I was reassured that all existing tests would be performed on my smear sample, but in addition to this a new test would be performed. How could I refuse?

I was also made aware of the fact that HPV can be sexually transmitted. As the type that causes cervical cancer does not have any symptoms and does not cause genital warts, it can be passed from women to men and back again and men have no symptoms due to HPV.

Seven years and numerous clear smear tests later, I am please to say the strands of HPV that cause cervical cancer have now been identified and can be vaccinated against. In the UK currently 3700 cases of pre-cancerous cells are identified each year and shockingly in the region of 1000 women die each year from cervical cancer.

What I have learned in the last seven years is that HPV can remain in your system, but it has periods where it is active and dormant. Here in the UK, if abnormal cells are identified and you have active HPV, you will be treated for potential pre-cancerous cells. However if you do not have HPV or it is dormant, you will be recalled for another smear in six months time.

I have to say, that I feel fortunate to have been included in some of the trials that hopefully lead to the development of a vaccine and fortunate that my cells were detected at a time when my GPs understood what caused the cancer.

Hopefully now, girls can be vaccinated against the dangerous strains of HPV and not have to fear cervical cancer. Maybe in 25 years it will be a thing of the past.

Learn more about this author, Linda Oldham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Cervical cancer and the development of a vaccine?
We want to hear your view. Write now!