A mother who dismissed her night sweats, aching joints, and unusual bleeding as signs of the menopause has shared her shock at being diagnosed with cervical cancer, despite recently receiving a clear smear test result.
From Menopause Assumption to Cancer Diagnosis
Michelle Griggs, a 50-year-old social club manager from Kent, had attended her regular screenings diligently. When she began experiencing symptoms, her recent all-clear from a smear test led her to believe she was simply entering menopause. "I checked three symptoms online and thought it was just menopause," Michelle explained. "Everything matched what I had read online."
However, as her condition worsened and fatigue set in, she decided to consult her GP. This decision proved critical. Following a scan, she was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer. "It must have developed really quickly," she said, acknowledging her luck that it was caught at such an early, treatable stage.
A Gruelling Treatment Journey
Michelle's treatment plan was swift and intensive, beginning within two weeks of her diagnosis. She endured a challenging regimen that included:
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for two months, five days a week at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
- Brachytherapy, a internal radiotherapy treatment involving the placement of small radioactive rods near the cervix, which required travel to London.
As a non-driver, Michelle relied heavily on her support network. "Two really good friends came to my appointments and treatments with me," she said, emphasising that their presence made the difficult experience more bearable. She also continued working at her social club when possible, finding it a vital distraction. "I needed something to keep me busy, and something that meant I wasn't sitting at home thinking," she added.
A Vital Message During Awareness Month
Thankfully, Michelle was given the all-clear in September 2025 and now attends regular check-ups. She praises the "fantastic" hospital teams and the invaluable support from Macmillan nurses, who assisted with practicalities like transport.
Now, during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Michelle is urging others not to ignore potential warning signs. "My message to others would be get anything suspicious checked out straight away, or you may not be as lucky as I was," she warned. "Don't be afraid to ask for help." Her story is a powerful reminder that while smear tests are essential, they are not infallible, and any new or persistent bodily changes warrant a professional medical opinion.
