Worried about symptoms (cervical cancer)

[Ukworrier]

worried I may have cervical cancer due to spotting inbetween periods on the mini pill (pop) been told this may be breakthrough bleeding and also I’ve had dull lower back pain for months - I’ve had numerous examinations - 3 smears one nhs and 2 private and both are negative for cells and HPV, I’ve had coloposcopy (private) didn’t take a biopsy as didn’t need too just an ecb (endocervical swab) and another smear which came back negative. I’ve had hpv in past and cleared it in last few years but scared coz of my symptoms I’ve had hysteroscopy when iud was taken out all looked ok inside when camera was there. I’ve had a pelvic MRI and CT scan all normal. I’ve had ultrasound transvaginal all normal. I’m at the end of the line with drs they at a loss I’m scared it’s been missed or not seen I’m scared it’s higher up as you hear about cancer that doesn’t get picked up on smears - I feel should I have pushed for a biopsy but it’s hard when they say nothing is seen to do one? I don’t know where to go next I know my body and have pains and I dont feel like me and that something is wrong - I’m so exhausted with it all I just need answers no one is really supporting me
now as I’ve had a lot of tests

When you say the doctors are 'at a loss' - it sounds like they are at a loss as to how to reassure you when you have been given every examination and told that you don't have cervical cancer.

Why are you so convinced that you do? Spotting and lower back pain are both pretty everyday things- you did the right thing getting checked out but now you have been they don't seem like much to worry about? If the back pain gets worse look at physio. And ask to be on a list for cbt for your health anxiety- I'd guess there are some online resources you could use for this too?

It sounds more like healthcare anxiety than cancer, you've had multiple smears done from a range of doctors. If something was there, they would have picked it up. To further reassure you, cervical cancer is extremely slow growing and so quite 'easy' to treat.

Have you had the HPV vaccine? Spotting on the pill is normal (how many days do you take it), it's the thinning of your uterus lining and so as the progesterone works it means there's very little left, and it's thinning it, which in turn protects you from endometrial cancer. It is okay, is the dull ache actually painful? Do you use ibuprofen or paracetamol for it? Does it work well if you do use them?

Look into the nocebo effect, it sounds like exactly what you are having?
https://bpac.org.nz/2019/nocebo.aspx

I agree with PPs but also wanted to add, that the mini pill makes me HUGELY anxious. I don't necessarily clock it at the time but moving onto the combined pill was life changing both times. I can't believe I tried again after the first time round. I felt like my old self. My brain went quiet.

I'm not trying to minimise your feelings at all (I've had huge anxiety about cervical cancer after some high grade changes) but please consider trying it. You also tend to get less spotting on the combined pill.

I really hope you find a way to put your mind at rest.x