Cervical cancer is largely preventable thanks to smear tests for women over 25 in the UK. But early detection is key.

 

So does that mean women under 25 can’t get cervical cancer?

 

No.

 

According to the NHS, cervical cancer in women under 25 is “extremely rare”.

 

However it can happen, and one Irish woman who developed the disease aged 24 has bravely shared her symptoms so others can recognise the signs and visit their doctor immediately.

 

“I want to share my story, to help others be more aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer,” Heather Keating posted on her Facebook page, “so that girls under 25 that are not entitled to a free smear know what to look out for and for those who are over 25 be more aware of the importance of going for your smear.”

 

“I was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer at the age of 24. Because I was 24 I was not entitled to a free smear and the early cell changes in my cervix were not picked up.

 

“I started bleeding between my periods and bleeding after sex. I went to see my GP and was told to come back when I was 25 for a smear. I thought that's fine. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I had cancer.”

 

This week is cervical cancer awareness week. So please share my story to let people know the importance of going for...

Posted by Heather Keating on Monday, 25 January 2016

 

And although thankfully she is now cancer free, she wants other young women to be vigilant in case they experience the same symptoms she did.

 

“I wish I had the opportunity to have caught the cell changes before it became cancerous,” she says. “If you are under 25 and feel something is not right please go and get it check out with your GP.”

 

The symptoms Heather experienced are:

Abnormal bleeding 

- heavy or longer periods 

- between periods

- after sex 

- after menopause 

Foul smelling discharge 

Pain or discomfort in the pelvis or during sex

 

“The more this is shared the more awareness it will create and hopefully more people will have caught it in time or before it even begins!” she says.

 

“So please share this and make sure your friends and family are going for their smears, there is nothing to be embarrassed about! It could save your life!”

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