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Cervical cancer and smear tests

BethH
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Hi - I've been referred for an urgent coloscopy after I've experienced some water discharge, green mucus and painful intercourse. I've had a partial hysterectomy following the birth of my daughter due to a placenta accreta and had 29 rounds of IVF and many hysteroctopies. I've got lots of scar tissue due to de-hysing and my vertical incision opening of my c section. I've had bloods taken for ovarian cancer and also a stool sample for bowel cancer - my bowel movements are normal. I had a clear smear test on February 2023. Surely that would have shown up cervical cancer? The doctor said it was probably an infection but I'm terrified that it's cancer as I've got 3 young children. Many thanks.

  • Good morning BethH,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. I hope you find it supportive. I’m Helen, one of the cancer information nurse specialists here on the Macmillan support line.

    I am sorry to read about your past experiences following the birth of your daughter. It sounds like you’ve been through so much.

    I can completely understand how worrying your current symptoms must be for you.

    It sounds like your GP or Specialist has taken the right approach by arranging further tests to investigate your symptoms. NICE provides clear guidance to GP’s if a cancer might be suspected. We are not able, as nurses on the Macmillan support line, to offer a second opinion or make a diagnosis from your symptoms.

    Waiting for tests and results can be a challenging time. Although many other people would share your worries about cancer, most would find their symptoms are caused by another condition.

    It’s important that even though you’ve been referred for tests, if you experience any new, worsening or changing symptoms please do contact your own GP or NHS 111 for an assessment.

    During this waiting period, many people are tempted to go online to seek answers and piece things together themselves. Try to refrain from doing this as the internet can offer a wealth of information at your fingertips, with no filter, which can easily lead you to places which may not be relevant to your situation. This can result in leaving you feeling more worried and anxious.

    If you feel like you’re having difficulty controlling worrying thoughts and anxiety, your GP can also support you with this and refer you to local services if needed.

    Anxiety UK and Mind have some helpful resources and strategies for managing anxiety.

    You may also benefit from talking to us about your worries and concerns. Talking things through can help us gain a better understanding of what’s happening and give you the best guidance on what to do.

     

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Helen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/HeP/FS

     

     

     

     

     

     

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