
A Greater Manchester mum – who started a blog to help her cope with her cervical cancer treatment – is sharing her experience to encourage other women to be aware about the symptoms and seek help.
Mum Samantha originally put her symptoms down to the perimenopause.
Samantha Brown, a mum-of-three from Bury, noticed abnormal vaginal discharge that was unusual for her in February 2022.
At first, she thought it might be a symptom of the perimenopause, but soon she began to feel something wasn’t quite right in her body. In March, Samantha went to her GP to discuss her symptoms. She had some blood tests which came back normal, but her symptoms persisted. Whilst on holiday the symptoms worsened requiring Samatha to constantly wear a sanitary pad.
When she got back from her holiday, she went back to her GP again and this time she was referred to Fairfield Hospital where she had a pelvic scan and a colposcopy– where a specialist nurse or doctor takes a closer look at the cervix (the opening to the womb from the vagina). Samantha attended an appointment to discuss the results where she was diagnosed with cervical cancer requiring further tests to determine the staging.
Samantha had an MRI scan just after her daughter’s 16th birthday, confirming she had stage two cervical cancer – meaning the cancer had been found at an early stage and could be successfully treated.
Samantha received radiotherapy and chemotherapy over a seven-week period at The Christie Hospital.
She said: “I had an amazing circle of family and friends, particularly my husband Steve, who supported me during my treatment – both physically and emotionally.”
“I created a daily blog to document my cancer treatment and experiences. It provided a sense of routine and motivation during my low days and served as a countdown to completing my treatment.”
After treatment finished, Samantha had regular six months check-ups for two years.
Samantha was up to date with her cervical screening – also known as a smear test – so wants to remind people that it is still important to see your GP if you have symptoms and not wait for your next cervical screening appointment.
Samantha is now a member of the Cancer Voices Community at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance where she is helping to improve cancer outcomes for others in the city.
She said: “My message to everyone is, you know your own body and you know when something is not quite right. If you have a symptom that is worrying you, whether it’s minor or not, please go and get it checked out.”
“And if it’s still doesn’t feel right go back and ask again.”
“I often wonder what would have happened if I’d not gone back to the GP when my symptoms progressively got worse. I remember reading up and thinking it could have been hormonal, or I could have been perimenopausal. I am glad I was persistent and got checked.”
“I know we’re busy with life, with our families, our work and everything. But you’ve got to put yourself first at times.”
“I am lucky. I’m the person that if a symptom doesn’t feel right, I will be persistent and keep trying until I get answers.”
Dr Helena O’Flynn, a GP and Early Diagnosis Clinical Lead for Gynaecological Cancer with Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “If you experience any symptoms that are unusual or don’t feel right for you, you shouldn’t wait until your next cervical screening appointment. Make an appointment and see your GP. The chances are it won’t be cancer, but it is always better to talk to your GP because if it is cancer then finding it as early as possible can save lives.”
Symptoms of cervical cancer:
- vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to your vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to help prevent cervical cancer.
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should attend regular cervical screening. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
Find out what happens at a cervical screening appointment and how to book on the NHS website: What happens at your appointment.