A MOTHER-of-two will be taking part in the Hereford Race for Life on Sunday less than seven weeks after beating cancer.
Charlotte Guy, 32, who runs the Sandwich Cellar in Hay-on-Wye with her mother, Jane Allport, was diagnosed with cervical cancer on April 3 following a routine screening.
Fortunately, it was caught early enough that Charlotte was given the all clear on May 25 following a hysterectomy on May 11.
Charlotte, who has raised £1,432 for Cancer Research so far, is also trying to raise awareness with other women of how important is it to attend their tests.
She said: “Had it been six months later, the doctors said it would have been a different story altogether. I imagine I would have been looking at chemo and radiotherapy.”
The cervical screening test, previously known as the smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. This helps doctors to detect cancerous cells or the HPV virus which is one of the causes of cervical cancer.
According to the NHS, about 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK. While it is possible for women of all ages to develop cervical cancer, it mainly affects women aged 30-45.
Charlotte said: “Some of the nurses in the hospital were telling me about the number of women who don’t turn up for their appointments. Before I had my experience, I know some of my friends used to ignore their appointment letters, although they don’t anymore. It’s a couple of minutes of being uncomfortable compared to something worse and the following treatment. I think part of the problem is that a lot of women are embarrassed to have the smear test.
“I would tell all women to make the time and don’t be embarrassed. The nurses do it all the time and have even had it done themselves. There is nothing to be embarrassed about and it could potentially save your life.”
The test is available to all women aged 25-64 who will receive a letter every three or five years with their appointment booking and information.
Despite various campaigns in recent years, the test is not available to women aged under 25 without a true cause for concern. However, since 2008 all girls up to the age of 18 in UK schools have been vaccinated against the HPV virus. Having raised nearly five times her original £300 target, Charlotte has also received a lot of support from her customers who have been donating money in the Sandwich Cellar, where her mum has been holding the fort while she recovers.
Charlotte will be walking in the Race for Life as she’s not recovered sufficiently to run. To sponsor her visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/charlottes-fundraising-page-905?.