Cancer Crusade Calls for Early Check-ups

One of our Contact Centre Advisors, Abigail Howes, is backing a campaign to raise awareness of cervical cancer and to reduce the age limit for screening.

Abigail who is based in Cardiff was diagnosed with the illness at age 22, and despite exhibiting some worrying symptoms she had been denied a smear test because she was under 25. “Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ changes your life in ways you can’t imagine,” said Abigail. “At first it completely destroyed me. My life was just beginning and a cancer diagnosis certainly wasn’t part of my plan. I felt scared, but also angry that my symptoms hadn’t been taken more seriously sooner.

“After finally receiving treatment and undergoing an operation I’m now two years cancer free, and monitored regularly with smear tests and MRI scans. Looking back, I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I had a cancer that is so preventable.”

Abigail received a lot of help and support from charities like the Teenage Cancer Trust and Trekstock and she is now backing Jo’s Cervical Cancer Charity by raising awareness and encouraging women to get regular smear tests. “I recently wrote an article for Sky News about my experiences and WPD has allowed me to put up posters in offices to help raise awareness,” said Abigail.

If you would like to find out more about Abigail and read her full story please see Sky News. 

For more information about cervical cancer and screening see Cancer Research UK.