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"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
Gold Coast mum and dance studio owner Mysha never imagined she would be diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in the same year she turned 30.
Yet in July 2025, unexpected bleeding and blood clots led Mysha to the Emergency Department at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH).
After undergoing a procedure to stop the bleeding, she woke to the news that she had cervical cancer. With no earlier warning signs, the diagnosis came as a complete shock.
“I was completely caught off guard,” Mysha said.
“I was busy raising three kids, running my business and living a normal life. Then, in the space of a few weeks, my whole life had changed.
“I went downhill really fast. One minute I was doing everything I normally did, and the next I was in hospital starting treatment.”
For Mysha, one of the hardest parts was seeing what her diagnosis meant for the people she loved.
Her youngest child was just one at the time, and her husband Robbie and their children had to adjust to a completely different family life.
“It wasn’t just me going through cancer - my husband had to watch his wife become so unwell while trying to support me and stepping into both parenting roles,” she said.
“My children had to see their mum go through something no child should ever have to see. Even hearing the word ‘appointment’ would make my daughter cry.
“It has stayed with me because it affected our whole family.”
Mysha underwent 46 rounds of radiation and six rounds of chemotherapy, as well as internal radiation treatment known as brachytherapy. Complications meant repeated hospital stays, sometimes lasting up to two weeks.
From day one, Robbie, her family and friends supported her through treatment.
Mysha also praised GCUH staff, particularly oncologist Dr Sean Hill and Cancer Nurse Consultant Paula Murphy.
“I had no idea what to expect, but everyone was so lovely,” Mysha said.
“I felt extremely cared for, listened to and supported every step of the way. If I became unwell, I knew I could just message the team, and they would be there to help.”
Dr Hill said the median age for patients receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis is 50, but he has had patients ranging from 28 to 90.
“Overall, it is a rare cancer and rare for it to occur in patient’s as young as Mysha,” Dr Hill said.
“However, we have not seen the benefits of vaccination translate through to a decreased incidence just yet and there are unfortunately some patients who miss out on cervical screening or vaccination for multiple reasons.”
Mysha was Dr Hill's first patient to have immunotherapy at stage three, based on the results of a global clinical trial released just months prior to her diagnosis.
“From what I have seen thus far, most patients have a complete response on their first restaging scans, and the hope is that response will be long-term,” Dr Hill said.
After months of intensive treatment, Mysha’s restaging scans showed her cancer had responded well and she entered remission. She continues to receive immunotherapy and follow-up care.
While grateful for her recovery, Mysha wants other women to understand that a diagnosis can come when they least expect it.
“I’ve always been quite a private person, so sharing something this personal hasn’t come naturally to me,” she said.
“I’m not sharing my story because I want to be an inspiration, I’m sharing it because I genuinely don’t want another woman or another family to go through what we did.”
“I want women to know you don’t have to feel unwell to make your health a priority. I had no warning symptoms before the bleeding started.”
For Mysha, cervical screening and HPV vaccination awareness are deeply personal.
Ahead of Cervical Cancer Elimination Day on 17 November, Mysha hopes sharing her experience will encourage women to stay up to date with cervical screening and HPV vaccination, and to seek medical advice if they experience unusual symptoms.
Regular cervical screening can identify HPV and changes to cervical cells before cancer develops, allowing for earlier follow-up and treatment when needed.
“I’m incredibly grateful that I’m here with my family and that I’ve been given a second chance at life, but I know not everyone gets that outcome,” she said.
“If sharing what happened to me encourages even one woman to book her cervical screening, then it’s worth sharing.”
“Early detection can save your life – don’t put it off.”
Learn more about the National Cervical Screening Program here.