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Cervical Cancer / Hypochondria

uranium
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Hi, I’m mostly writing this just to get some reassurance. I’m 19 years old and a year ago had unprotected sexual contact with someone for the first time, I got the HPV vaccine 3 months later. I have bad health anxiety and google has been my worst enemy since then in terms of making it worse however I am quite worried about my risk of cervical cancer. Sometimes I experience symptoms like lower back pain and a burning when urinating (which is very rare) and I used to have that a lot as a teen so it’s nothing new really. I have regular periods and nothing feels too out of the ordinary but I’m still scared that maybe I might develop it. I have an appointment with a gynae and a Pap smear scheduled for the upcoming summer however I’m worried that this might be too late? Should I try and schedule one sooner just to be safe? 

I just want some reassurance that I’m not crazy or some advice related to my situation, I know it might sound absurd but I’ve always had health anxiety since I can remember but this time it feels worse as I feel like it might actually be real. 

I appreciate any responses (:

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    Hi Uranium,

    Avery warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your symptoms. We usually advise people to stay off google, as it focuses on the most spectacular cases, won't pertain to you and will only serve to scare you.  I am not a doctor and have had 2 bouts of breast cancer, so I don't know much about cervical cancer.  However, there are a number of simpler solutions to your symptoms, before worrying about cancer. There is always the possibility of a fungal or bacterial infection, which can cause burning. One important fact to hold on to, is that cancer is not contagious

     Don't wait until the summer, make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can, as it will still need to be treated, even if it is only an infection. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine,

    Thank you for your response! I’ll definitely try to arrange a GP visit as soon as possible after the New Years period, I get quite anxious with doctors but it might give me the reassurance I need. 

    I’ve had throat cancer scares amongst that too, so hopefully I can discuss everything to make sure that everything is alright although I’m always afraid of doctors missing out on something / making a wrongful diagnosis. 

    I hope you have a lovely New Years xx

    Kind regards!! 

  • Offline in reply to uranium

    Hi Uranium,

    You will only get the reassurance you need by seeing your GP. Most surgeries are open tomorrow, so it might be worth trying to make that appointment then, rather than waiting until after the new year, when everyone will be trying to get one.

    We do occasionally hear of a doctor missing out on something, but on the whole, they are pretty careful with cancer tests and by far the majority of diagnoses are accurate. It is most unlikely to be cancer at your age, although sadly, not impossible, which is why you need to get this checked out.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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