@jeanadair123 The use of a speculum in our follow-up cancer surveillance appointments has come up in other Discussions in our support group. I had my most recent cancer surveillance appointment the first week in September. I get my speciality care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I asked my nurse practitioner this question. Does she use a speculum with all of her patients and she said “yes”. This is the standard protocol. So every time I’ve returned for these appointments I have a pelvic exam that includes a speculum to have a look inside the vagina and at the vaginal cuff. In fact, this is how my recurrence of endometrial cancer was found in 2021.

I was initially concerned that CT scans were not part of my exams after I was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2019 and had a hysterectomy. However, CT scans are now included in my exams following my recurrence in 2021. In my opinion, there is nothing that can replace the “hands on” exam.

So, let’s keep advocating for ourselves. We know our bodies best, right?