Reporter: MARINA BERRY Date online: 24 January 2011
A SHAW woman who waged a two-and-a-half year battle against cervical cancer has joined Oldham’s Macmillan nurses to send out a vital message which could save lives. Nicola Craffey has thrown her weight behind campaigns to raise awareness of the symptoms in a bid to encourage women to have cervical screening. the 30-year-old, of Britannia Avenue, is in remission after undergoing a radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy following her diagnosis in 2008. And she is supporting this week’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week with its message: screening can save your life. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease but despite this two in 10 women failed to take up invitations for screening in the UK last year. In addition, only half of girls offered the HPV vaccine in a catch-up programme, chose to have the potentially life-saving jab. More than 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, and nearly 1,000 women die from it. after breast cancer, it is the second most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. it was brought to the fore two years ago when reality TV star Jade Goody died from the disease at the age of 27. she campaigned relentlessly during the last few weeks of her life to highlight the importance of cervical screening, and this week’s event echoes that message. A stand will be in the glass tunnel entrance at he Royal Oldham Hospital for the rest of the week, with information supplied by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo’s Trust). it is the the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. Amanda Storey, Gynaecology Macmillan nurse at the Royal Oldham Hospital said: “our goal for Cervical Cancer Awareness Week is to promote the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer which women may experience. “we need to encourage women to attend for their smear tests, and if they are not happy to go back to their GP for a further consultation.” Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding during sexual intercourse, between periods or post menopause, an unusual or unpleasant discharge, discomfort or pain during sex, and lower back pain. the week coincides with the launch of Jo’s Trust Helpline on 0808-802 8000, which provides information and support on a range of topics from screening concerns to cervical abnormalities, cancer, treatment and survivorship issues, to patients, carers and friends. Nicola is working with Jo’s Trust and Macmillan to set up a support group for women affected by cervical cancer and their families. for more information on Jo’s Trust visit jostrust.org.uk