Gayle Maxwell

In 2015, Gayle Maxwell, then 39, was living in Lochgilphead with her three children. She had just finished university and was looking forward to entering a new world of work when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer following a routine cervical screening test.

With no idea how serious her condition was, the test proved life-saving, finding an aggressive cancer that could be treated successfully. Now 50, and working for NHS Highland, she says that the simple test gave her the chance to live well again today.

Diagnosis

Before my diagnosis, I had been chronically anaemic for a long period of time, which made me quite unwell. I had an iron transfusion in December 2014 and was feeling better.

I’d had my reminder in for my smear test whilst I was undergoing treatment for my anaemia, but I decided I’d wait until after the Christmas holidays were over and book an appointment. I had my smear test at the beginning of January 2015, and on the 17th of February I was officially told I had cancer.

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.

Treatment

The tumour was growing fast and aggressively so I had my operation in the April. The surgery removed the tumour and other affected areas before I received chemotherapy and brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy) but if I’d been any later in my detection, it could have been inoperable.

Living well again

Thanks to my treatment and prompt detection, even though my cancer was quite serious, I got the all clear in October 2015. A close eye was kept on me with check-ups from my doctor every six months for five years.

I’m now working for NHS Highland as a clinical support secretary and I have three kids, four grandkids and another on the way! I am living well and enjoy spending time with my family.

Be the Early Bird

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.

As I know well, the repercussions of dealing with cancer are far greater than going in for a two-minute smear test. 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.

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.

The information in this case study, including ages, are current as of the drafting date.