Natalie Hickton’s journey
In June 2015, aged just 32, Natalie Hickton was given the devastating news that she had cervical cancer. Within a few months, Natalie had undergone two operations.
“I had been having a couple of symptoms common with cervical cancer, but I hadn’t been going for my routine cervical smear test. I then went to live overseas for a couple of years before coming back home and getting married.
“My husband and I started thinking about having children. I knew I needed to get everything checked out and it had been five years without a smear test because of certain circumstances.
“I went for my check up, and everything moved quickly after that. I had a call from my GP telling me to go to the hospital for further examinations and within a month I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and referred to The Royal Marsden for treatment.
“Just a few years before my diagnosis, my only option would have been a complete hysterectomy. But, thanks to the amazing research and technology at The Royal Marsden, they were able to see my cancer in much closer detail and as a result I was able to avoid having this procedure. Instead I was given a cone biopsy which is a small operation removing a cone shaped piece of tissue from my cervix using robotic surgery. Importantly, for me and my husband, this meant we could still try for children and I am now lucky to have two beautiful boys, Oliver, who is now 4 years old and Joshua who is 18 months. My boys are a complete gift. They are like two little miracles.
“I was discharged from hospital just one night after my operation and a month later I was back at work. I still have to go for annual check-ups and cervical smear tests, but it has now been five years since I was given the all clear.
“Hearing I had the all clear, I was absolutely elated. Thankfully I was one of the lucky ones; we caught it relatively early. However, I felt very angry with myself that I hadn’t been for check-ups sooner because cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected and treated early. Ever since I have been a bit an advocate to get tested.
“For anyone worried about having a cervical smear test, it takes about 30 seconds and it could save your life. It is great that young people can now be vaccinated for the HPV virus too which helps to prevent cervical cancer.
Women still need to be encouraged to look after themselves, and my advice would be to please go and get checked out if you’re worried about anything.”
