The mother of two could not see beyond another year-long battle with the illness and told doctors she did not want any treatment.

But now, fully recovered, and to mark the 20th anniversary this week of the cancer screening service that saved her life, she has a defiant message for women everywhere: "Keep getting tested and, even if the results are bad news, never give up hope."

When she was diagnosed the 42-year-old of Chelsea Mansions, Northowram, Halifax, said: "I just hit the very depths of despair."

"It seemed like such a long road to getting better all over again and I thought it might just be better to make the most of the 12 months they said I'd have left."

She added: "I hear women who say they don't like getting screened and I admit it's not comfortable but the other option, not finding out until its too late, is much worse, I can't stress that strongly enough."

Elaine, an office manager, was diagnosed after tests in January 2002.

She said the early diagnosis saved her life but, after radiotherapy and recovery, doctors told her the cancer had come back in May 2003.

A second dose of radiotherapy was ruled out so she had to have an operation to remove the affected areas.

"I couldn't see light at the end of the tunnel and it was only because of my mother and husband Ray I managed to pull through," she said.

"But now I'm coming up to five years all clear and I've really tried to turn this horrible experience into a positive.

"I want all women to know there's life after cancer as long as they get these tests done and find it early enough."

She has now used her experience to become a volunteer support worker for women and is currently organising a massive nationwide fun run for Jo's Trust, a charity dedicated to cervical cancer.