A Cwmbran woman has been given the all clear from cervical cancer and is now “shouting from the rooftops” for women to get a smear test.
Jackie Hamilton-Gray, 44, from Pontnewydd, said: “I am literally going to get a t-shirt done that has ‘have you had your smear test done’ on the back.
“I don’t mind what anybody asks me, I don’t mind talking about it, it needs to be talked about…The more it’s talked about, the less it can hide.”
The 44-year-old was given the good news in March following an intensive eight-week stint of chemotherapy and other treatments.
‘Exemplary treatment’
Jackie spoke about her experience going through the two-month programme, believing the care she got was outstanding, adding: “Not one person I came into contact with [doctors, nurses, porters etc) wasn’t a ten [out of ten], my treatment was exemplary.”
She also received constant support from her husband Ian, her friends and family, with her son Harry and his fiancée Hettie running the Newport half-marathon and raising over £1,100 for cancer research.
She smiled as she told how a WhatsApp group with 14 of her friends was a great way to keep them updated with voicenotes about her cancer journey.
The Bron Afon employee emphasised how her workmates supported her throughout her treatment, adding: “My team were just incredible.”
Jackie received the diagnosis after missing her last few smear tests, not due to avoidance but because she didn’t make time for them.
The Cwmbran woman would like to encourage women to get their cervical screening, saying: “Don’t sit on your symptoms. If there’s anything you’re worried about, you have medical professionals you can ask
“If you are worried about having your smear test done, trust me, the treatment is worse.”
GP appointment
Jackie urges women to check their not overdue for a smear. If you have any symptoms, don’t book a smear, but ask for an urgent GP appointment.
Jackie is now on the road to full recovery after the intense procedures she had to endure, saying: “The fatigue is starting to go now, I’m starting to feel a lot more like myself.
“You would be amazed at what you can go through and what you can put your body through with the right mindset.”
“I have a long recovery road ahead of me, but our incredible NHS has beaten this with me and for me.”