Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – Bobbie’s story
23 January, 2026
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – 19th – 26th January 2026.
Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix. It’s most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness of cervical cancer, the importance of screening, and the long-term impact treatment can have on people’s lives. This year, we’re highlighting the positive difference Bobbie has made for people living with stomas.
For Bobbie, a diagnosis of cervical cancer came at a time when she was living abroad with her husband, who was serving in the RAF, and their two young daughters. Like many people, cancer was something she never expected to face – and certainly not something that would shape the rest of her life in the way it did.
Bobbie was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1985 while living in Germany. She was sent back to the UK for a hysterectomy, followed by radiotherapy when it became clear the cancer was close to the edges of the removed tissue. At the time, treatment was far less refined than it is today, and the long-term effects were significant.
Over the years that followed, Bobbie experienced bladder incontinence and later underwent surgery to form a urostomy. Complications from treatment led to further surgeries, bowel problems, and ongoing pain. Despite medical advances and supportive professionals along the way, daily life was often challenging, unpredictable, and exhausting.
Eventually, bowel incontinence became unmanageable. Bobbie reached a point where she felt she could no longer live with the impact it was having on her quality of life. After careful discussion with her medical team, she made the decision to have a colostomy – a decision that came with understandable nerves, but also with hope.
That hope proved well placed. Recovery was quicker than expected, and although further complications later arose due to short bowel syndrome, Bobbie continued to work closely with specialists to stabilise her health. Throughout everything, she remained determined, resilient, and focused on living her life as fully as possible.
Turning experience into support
After many years living abroad, Bobbie and her husband returned to the UK when he retired from the RAF. Wanting to give something back, Bobbie became a volunteer with us at Colostomy UK.
One of the things Bobbie valued most was finally meeting other people living with stomas – something she hadn’t experienced before. Recognising a lack of local support, she decided to set up a stoma support group in Northumberland. With encouragement from her husband, a local stoma nurse, and the hospice that offered a venue, Bobbie set about spreading the word.
She expected a handful of people to attend the first meeting. Instead, 26 people came through the door – all grateful for a space to talk openly, share experiences, and feel understood. What followed was, as Bobbie describes it, “a wonderful chaos” of conversation, connection and support.
A message for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
Bobbie’s story is a powerful reminder of why Cervical Cancer Prevention Week matters. Advances in screening, HPV vaccination and treatment mean outcomes today are very different from those faced decades ago. Regular cervical screening can detect changes early – often before cancer develops at all.
While Bobbie is open about the challenges she has faced, she is also clear about what she has gained – a life she enjoys, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to support others.
“I am happy with my stomas,” she says. “I enjoy being a volunteer, and I still have my wonderful husband standing by my side.”
A gentle reminder
Looking after your health can feel daunting, but small steps can make a big difference. This week is a reminder that prevention saves lives – and that support is always available.
If you would like advice, information, or to speak to someone who understands life with a stoma, please contact our helpline or explore our online resources.
Together, through awareness, compassion and shared experience, we can make a difference.
We offer a wide range of support for people living with a colostomy, including our free Stoma Helpline, live chat support, and opportunities to connect with others through local and online groups. We also provide trusted information and resources to offer practical advice, reassurance, and the confidence to live well with a stoma: colostomyuk.org/support
To find out more information go to the nhs website.
