21/06/2026
Alex was 30 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Alexโs treatment involved removing her cervix and lymph nodes in her abdomen โ however, as Alex was trying for a baby, her surgeon left just 0.5cm of her cervix to give her a chance of conceiving.
Just seven months after surgery, Alex found out she was pregnant and went on to give birth to daughter Ivy the following year. Ivyโs middle name is Marvella โ meaning 'miracle.'
โThere were moments of real fear during the pregnancy, but when my daughter was born, it felt incredible," says Alex. "I look at her and think 'I canโt believe youโre here and so healthy.'โ
Two years later, after cervical screening identified HPV again, Alex agreed to undergo a hysterectomy.
Alex was not offered the HPV vaccine at school, as the programme began after she left. Now, sheโs a strong advocate for screening and the vaccine: โIf sharing my story encourages women to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited and helps young people understand the importance of the HPV vaccine, then I know Iโm helping to raise awareness and potentially make a difference.โ
