Annee’s journey to finally being heard

“When my body began sending me signals, I couldn’t ignore, I knew something wasn’t right”, says Annee.

She knows first-hand how vital it is to trust your instincts and listen to your body.

“My menstrual cycle has always been like clockwork, so when I started to bleed randomly, then continuously and get abdominal pain, I knew something was off” says Annee.

But each time “I visited my GP in 2021, I was reassured my symptoms were nothing serious,” Annee says.

“I was told I was ‘just perimenopausal’, despite having no menopausal symptoms. At my screening, HPV was detected but no abnormal cells, so I was told not to worry. My symptoms started a few weeks later”, explains Annee.

Between that screening in November 2021 to December 2023, Annee says she “had three screenings and countless doctor appointments as well as calls to doctors and nurses regarding her abnormal bleeding.”

“I kept being told nothing was wrong with me, and falsely reassured” she said. “But I knew my body.”

“It all builds up,” she admits. “It’s exhausting being told nothing’s wrong when every part of you knows something is.”

Everything changed in December 2023.

After finally being referred for a colposcopy – a diagnostic procedure to examine the cervix, vagina and vulva for cancer following an irregular smear test – Annee was told she had cervical cancer on 5 December.

“Everything after that moved quickly—and frighteningly. By 19 December, I’d been told I needed a full hysterectomy. Scheduled surgery was then delayed by 12 weeks and with my anxiety rising, I just couldn’t wait any longer. I had no idea what the cancer was doing to me” she said.

Annee and her husband used their BUPA cover to explore private care options and that’s when Annee turned to The London Clinic for help, so she could be seen faster.

Annee explained that “meeting Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist Ms Kolomainen in February 2024 felt like a turning point. For the first time in months, I felt truly heard. She was fantastic — Ms Kolomainen listened,” Annee said.

Ms Kolomainen recommended The London Clinic Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon, Mr Thomas Ind so he could perform a robotic radical hysterectomy, in order to avoid open surgery bearing in mind Annee had all of her three children delivered by C section.

Just days later, Mr Ind performed the robotic radical hysterectomy, via keyhole, in early March. Despite having had three caesarean sections, Annee said the procedure was incomparable in its precision and care and her recovery was so much quicker than a C section.

Mr Ind explains, “Unfortunately, the surgery revealed the cancer had already grown into a lymph vessel — so following the radical hysterectomy, we recommended five weeks of radiotherapy. I’m delighted to hear Annee is doing very well.”

Annee still returns for checkups every four months.

Annee’s case is an important reminder for healthcare professionals to listen to patients.

Ms Kolomainen said, “HPV vaccinations and participation in the cervical screening programme is vital. In Annee’s case, the crux of the issue is that no-one was listening to her symptoms over at least an 18 -month period of time and she was repeatedly told that there were no abnormal cells, despite HPV being detected.”

Ms Kolomainen  stressed, “the key point to all healthcare professionals is listen to our patients and their symptoms e.g. if there is a change in menstrual pattern with periods becoming heavier or continuous in nature, this warrants investigation.”

Annee and her family now never think twice about getting away and mini breaks making sure they enjoy themselves with good holidays. But she says the emotional aftermath hasn’t been simple.

“Your senses get heightened,” she admits.

And whilst she recognises she is “lucky to have three children”, she describes the hysterectomy as “an adjustment.”

But her biggest message is one of empowerment: “be your own advocate”.

Annee now wants women—especially younger ones and those who believe the HPV vaccine covers everything—to understand a critical truth: HPV isn’t the only cause of cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains.

She’s also passionate about tackling misconceptions around HPV.

“HPV isn’t the only cause. Lots of young women—and men—think that because they’ve had the vaccine, they’re protected. But it doesn’t cover every strain.”

She’s determined to use her experience to encourage other women not to delay their cervical screening, and not to downplay concerns.

“Screening matters. I’ve never missed a smear test. Speaking up matters. It might be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but just do it – and taking a friend with you is absolutely okay.

“If I hadn’t stood up for myself, I might not be here today,” she says plainly. “It was obvious to me something was wrong. If something feels wrong, ask to be seen by a woman if that helps, take support with you, and just get it done. You have to push yourself — it’s scary, but it saved my life.”

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