A grandmother who credits a routine smear test with saving her life is urging others not to put off their vital cervical screening appointments.
A Life-Saving Test After Christmas Delay
Gayle Maxwell was just 39 years old when she received a devastating diagnosis. On 17 February 2015, she was told she had cervical cancer. She had undergone the smear test at the start of January that same year, having postponed it slightly to enjoy the Christmas holidays.
Doctors discovered a tumour that was growing both rapidly and aggressively. By April 2015, she underwent major surgery to remove the tumour and other affected areas. This was followed by a gruelling course of chemotherapy and internal radiotherapy, known as brachytherapy.
Ms Maxwell was given the all-clear in October 2015, a relief that came after intense treatment. She then had regular medical check-ups every six months for the following five years to monitor her health.
Backing the 'Be The Early Bird' Campaign
Now 50 and working as a clinical support secretary for NHS Highland, Ms Maxwell is sharing her powerful story to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which begins this Monday. She is a strong supporter of the Scottish Government's Be The Early Bird campaign, which emphasises the critical benefits of detecting cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
The grandmother of four, with another on the way, lives in Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute. She states plainly: "If I hadn't had the smear test done at that time, or if I'd waited, you're talking about a whole different game."
She explained the urgency of her situation: "The tumour was growing fast and aggressively... if I'd been any later in my detection, it could have been inoperable. Thanks to my treatment and prompt detection, even though my cancer was quite serious, I got the all clear."
A Direct Plea to Those Hesitating
Ms Maxwell has a direct and empathetic message for anyone who feels anxious about attending their cervical screening invitation. "My advice would be – as daunting as a smear test might be, the results of not having one could be much more challenging. The test takes minutes," she said.
"As I know well, the repercussions of dealing with cancer are far greater than going in for a two-minute smear test," she added. "I totally understand the fear which stops people from getting tested, not wanting it to be something bad, but that fear is not going to make the outcome any better."
Her closing argument is one of hope and pragmatism: "If you go and get it done, you might be at a stage where things can be treated in a better way, a faster way, a much more successful way, and you'll be able to live well again."
In Scotland, cervical screening is offered to women and anyone with a cervix aged between 25 and 64. Health experts stress the importance of attending every time you are invited, even if you have received the HPV vaccine. Routine screening typically occurs every five years.
