Cervical Cancer Survivor Credits Screening Test for Saving Her Life

Laura Hope spent 2024 fighting for her life. The 36-year-old legal secretary from Failsworth, Oldham, started the year with a cervical cancer diagnosis and ended it cancer-free, thanks to a routine screening test she almost took for granted.

Her journey began in October 2023 when she attended a routine cervical screening appointment. Weeks later, a letter arrived informing her that the test had detected high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) and abnormal cells. Further investigation at Royal Oldham Hospital revealed she had cervical cancer at stage one - the earliest possible stage.

“I started last January not knowing if I’d be here, so this year I want to make the most of everything!” Laura said. After laser treatment in January and a hysterectomy in March at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, she gradually rebuilt her strength through gym workouts and mindfulness classes at Maggie’s in Oldham.

The treatment triggered early menopause but saved her life. Now showing no evidence of disease, Laura has three-monthly check-ups and has planned trips to Iceland and a 5K run for 2025. She’s also made it her mission to encourage every woman she knows to attend their screening appointments.

“Luckily my cervical cancer was found at stage 1 - the earliest possible stage - which I think is because I have always gone for my screening,” she explained. “I always went for my cervical screening - because I remembered the story of Jade Goody, but now I tell all my friends and my niece to go. It’s so important.”

Women aged 25 to 64 receive NHS invitations for cervical screening every three to five years. Dr Helena O’Flynn, GP and Early Diagnosis Clinical Lead for Gynaecological Cancer at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, emphasized: “This test may prevent cervical cancer by identifying pre-cancerous changes that can be treated before cancer can develop, or identify a cancer earlier, when treatment is more successful.”

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