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Cancer > Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Forum > Rape and cervical cancer
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Q: Rape and cervical cancer
asked by: littlespringshowers on June 12th, 2009
New User
Hi, I was raped in the past and i have now had a borderline result smear test and am waiting for the result of the repeat smear a few months later.
I am worried sick about the symptoms i am having of pain and intermittent bleeding and discharge and wonder if i have cervical cancer could it have been caused by the rape. It was a particularly violent rape involving a knife inside me too.
I am so scared and I feel guilty. I know that doesn't make sense, I didn't make it happen to me, but that it what I feel.
Help me if you can.
littlespringshowers
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deteragram
replied on June 12th, 2009
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First let me say how sorry I am that you had such a bad experience.
Having an irregular pap smear can be scary. I know, I had one last year. But it does not automatically mean that you have cervical cancer. So don't borrow trouble. IF you have cervical cancer, you can deal with that when you get a confimed diagnosis but there's no point in getting upset now.
As for the rape, if you contracted HPV from your assault, it could develop into cervical cancer.
Good luck. I hope you get good test results.
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MyrahU
replied on June 12th, 2009
Active User, very eHealthy (online)
I totally agree. Don't jump to conclusions just yet. Just because it's irregular doesn't mean it's cancer.

The main thing you should concentrate on is healing from your experience. Are you getting any counseling or going to any support groups? Guilt is a common feeling after rape, even though the victim knows logically that they didn't do anything to deserve or make that happen to them. Sorting all the feelings out can be really hard. You don't have to go through this alone. There are a lot of people who have been through similar experiences. Reach out and connect with some of them. You may be surprised about how much it helps.

I sincerely hope that the tests turn out fine. Just remember that no matter what happens, you are a survivor. You are strong. And you aren't alone.
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Mayflowers
replied on July 27th, 2009
New User
Hi LittleSpringShowers (...aawww! gorgeous name x),
I hope you are feeling ok today & that the lovely replies above have helped you to feel calm.
I can relate to your experiences. I have both been raped & had an abnormal smear in the past..leading to cells being lasered off. They can catch these things in good time. I should say, my abnormal smear came before the rape.
I appreciate the fear of being damaged in more ways that one by the violation. I think the best advice must be to focus on your emotional healing. That alone can help beat lots of future problems. (I am not the best at doing this myself..but you can do it better!)
I now have a smear each year, and it's been 8 since I had 'pre-cancerous cells' removed, without further cervical problems.
Take Care.. I think you'll be just fine x
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