A young woman from Kent has shared her devastating journey after being diagnosed with cervical cancer following a routine smear test, despite experiencing no symptoms whatsoever.
Routine Appointment Turns Life-Altering
Chantel Lopez, a 34-year-old construction worker from Ashford, Kent, attended what she thought would be a standard cervical screening appointment in May last year. Like many women in the UK, she had received her invitation letter and decided to attend, expecting nothing more than her usual unremarkable results.
"I had a routine smear test. I didn't think anything of it because I had no symptoms, I just thought as I had got my letter I would go and get it done," Chantel recalled. "Instead of the results, I found myself with an appointment with the oncology team."
The Devastating Diagnosis
Shortly after her initial screening, Chantel was called back to the clinic where doctors expressed concern about her test results. After undergoing several follow-up examinations, she received the shocking news: she had stage-one cervical cancer.
"When they told me it was cancer, it was a little bit scary, but I just said 'okay, what now?'" she said. "I had heard of it happening at my age but you just never think it is going to happen to you."
The diagnosis came as a complete surprise to Chantel, who described herself as perfectly healthy with no prior symptoms of the disease that affects over 3,000 women in the UK each year.
Life-Changing Treatment Decision
After discussing various treatment options with her medical team, Chantel made the difficult decision to undergo a total hysterectomy. This major surgical procedure involved the removal of her cervix, womb, and both ovaries to prevent any potential recurrence of cancer in the future.
"The surgery seemed like the best option," Chantel explained. "I just didn't want to run the risk of getting ovarian cancer down the road if it was a possibility."
She underwent the operation at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate in September last year, facing a challenging 10-week recovery period that tested her physical and emotional resilience.
Long-Term Health Management
Following her surgery, Chantel now requires Hormone Replacement Therapy until she reaches 50 years old. This treatment is essential to manage the symptoms of surgically induced menopause and to protect her cardiovascular and bone health in the long term.
"Fingers crossed that is it for me; I have to have hormone replacement therapy until I'm 50, and check-ups every six months, but it was at a very early stage so I'm lucky," she said. "Some days I don't feel like myself but for the most part I am all good. It has been a change but I am getting there."
Awareness and Advocacy
Despite her ordeal, Chantel expresses gratitude that the cancer affected her rather than her younger sister, who has always wanted to become a mother. "Thankfully I never wanted children," she noted, acknowledging how her personal circumstances made the treatment decision somewhat less complicated.
Now, as part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, Chantel is determined to raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings. She passionately encourages other young people to attend their smear tests, which are provided free through the NHS for all women and people with a cervix over 25.
Urgent Message to Others
"Don't ignore your letters and go and get it checked as soon as," Chantel urged. "You always think it is not going to happen to you but there is always a chance it could."
She acknowledges that many people avoid smear tests due to discomfort or embarrassment, admitting she would normally be among them. "I find them embarrassing and uncomfortable but they can save your life," she emphasized.
"If I hadn't gone for that smear, it could have been a different story. Now I tell everyone to just go and get it done. I don't think anyone enjoys it but it really could save your life."
Chantel reflected on being the youngest person in all the waiting rooms during her treatment, concluding: "It could happen to anyone. Just make sure you make the appointment when you get the letters; don't put it off."
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how cervical cancer can develop without warning symptoms and the life-saving importance of regular screening, even for those who feel perfectly healthy.
