Video: Worksop woman campaigns for change after shock cervical screening test results

Victoria Cristofis, of Primrose Way, Worksop, said she initially ignored letters from her GP asking her to make an appointment for cervical screening because she was embarrassed and anxious about what the procedure would entail.

But after being encouraged by a friend to put her mind at rest, the 28-year-old decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and get tested.

Said Victoria: “It was when I started experiencing one of the symptoms of cervical cancer that I decided to take the matter into my own hands.”

“After the test, I went for a cervical biopsy and the doctor told me that they had found abnormalities in my cervix that, if left untreated, were likely to develop into cancer.”

“I have an operation booked at the end of September to remove these abnormalities, but in the meantime I have been dedicated to raising awareness of cervical cancer, especially among younger women.”

“I’m only 28 and I have three kids. I didn’t think something like this would ever happened to me, but it has- and it could happen to you.”

Victoria has been using social media to reach out to other women and urge them to get tested, and has been approached by company Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust who want to feature her story on their website.

Victoria added: “When I first started posting details about what happened to me on Facebook in order to raise awareness, I even had people telling me it was too graphic and that I needed to take it down. But why should I? Cervical screening is nothing to embarrassed about. It’s a three minute test- and it can save lives.”