A Milton Keynes mum of three has turned her cervical cancer diagnosis into a powerful platform for raising awareness about gynaecological health, urging others to book smear tests and take their health seriously.
Hollie, 31, began her Instagram journey after being diagnosed with cervical cancer following the birth of her third son earlier this year and has since built a supportive online community.
After the birth of her now eight-month-old son via C-section, Hollie experienced continuous bleeding, prompting her to seek medical advice. Despite multiple consultations, ultrasounds, and medications, the source of her symptoms remained unclear. Trusting her instincts, Hollie requested a smear test, which led to a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Shockingly, her previous smear test just a year prior had been clear.
"The day my son turned six months old was the day I was told I had cervical cancer," Hollie said. "I’ve always kept up with my smears, and my last one was fine. I even got the all-clear to try for another baby, but it all changed so quickly."
Despite reassurances that the cancer had likely been caught early, subsequent scans revealed that Hollie’s cancer had progressed to stage 3C1, just one stage away from stage 4. "To go from a clear smear test to near stage 4 cancer in just a year was a shock," she said. "The first thing I thought about was my three boys. It's hard to prioritise yourself when you’re a mum."
Determined to turn her difficult experience into something positive, Hollie created an Instagram page to document her journey and spread awareness. "I didn’t want to just bottle everything up. I wanted to help others, so I decided to share my story publicly," she explained. Her candid posts have encouraged many of her followers to book overdue smear tests, with some admitting they had been hesitant before hearing her story.
Through her page, Hollie has built a close-knit community, offering support to those in similar situations. She emphasises the importance of new mums and women of all ages paying attention to their health. "If something doesn’t feel right, it often isn’t right," she advises.
Hollie has found an outlet in writing and sharing her story, using her platform to educate others about gynaecological health and cancer treatments. "Before I started this journey, I didn’t fully understand what cancer was, or how treatments like chemotherapy worked. I want to raise awareness about every aspect of cancer, from diagnosis to treatment," she said.
Her Instagram page has not only provided her with a way to cope during her treatment but also serves as an educational resource for her followers. "I try to keep the page real because this process is far from easy. I’m going through this while being a mum – I go to chemo on Fridays, and I’m back doing the school run afterward," she said. "Life doesn’t stop." Hollie continued, “My support system is fantastic I am so lucky to have friends and family who will drop everything to help me out. You don’t realise how many people care for you until you're put in a situation where you have to find out.”
Hollie remains positive despite the challenges she faces, finding comfort in her support system of friends and family, and using her platform to connect with others. "I try to focus on the positive things – doing fun activities with my boys, making memories, and finding small things to look forward to, like celebrating the end of my first stage of chemotherapy with a cold sea dip."
Her message to others is clear: "Advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, push for answers until you’re sure. I had to do that, and it made all the difference."
Hollie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to your body and raising awareness for gynaecological health. Through her Instagram page, she continues to inspire others to take action, get informed, and stay vigilant about their health.
Cervical cancer can progress quickly, making regular smear tests crucial. Hollie's story highlights the importance of listening to your body and advocating for yourself if something feels off. Smear tests remain one of the best ways to catch cervical cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable.
To follow Hollie's journey and join her community of support, visit her Instagram page, where she continues to share updates, educational resources, and personal insights on navigating cancer while raising her family.
