A Belfast woman has told of how “if it wasn’t for screening, I probably wouldn’t be here today” as she urged women in Northern Ireland to attend routine cervical check-ups.
Katrina Jones was given her cervical cancer diagnosis following a smear test in 2022.
“I just went for a routine smear test and didn’t think anything of it,” she said.
“They called me back and I then had a biopsy. I could actually tell by the look on their faces that I had cancer.
“I was expecting to be told I had cancer but thought I’d maybe have a few little cells that needed removed.
“But no, I had a 4cm tumour and I needed to have both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.”
Katrina is speaking out about her health battle to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and support the Public Health Agency (PHA) message reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited.
Between 2017 and 2021, an average of 81 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Northern Ireland, with around 20 deaths per year.
Screening is mainly aimed at detecting early changes that could go on to develop into cancer, which can be treated to try to prevent this happening, although in some cases such as Katrina’s cancer may be found.
Following treatment, Katrina is now in recovery, but said “if it wasn’t for the screening, I probably wouldn’t be here today”.
“It’s as simple and black and white as that,” she said.
“If you are invited for screening, please do it, it makes such a difference and saved my life.”
This #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek, we’re encouraging women to attend for screening when invited as it could be lifesaving.
— Public Health Agency (@publichealthni) January 21, 2025
Visit https://t.co/UrLWZQwTgI to find out more about the importance of cervical screening. #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek @CancerFocusNI pic.twitter.com/3pYC6Lg38F
Dr Joanne McClean from the PHA said: “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to attend for cervical screening when invited.
“It could save your life.”
Cervical screening does not guarantee cancer will not develop in the future, however, attending regular screening tests increases the chances of any changes being picked up.
The HPV vaccine also helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing in young people and is offered to Year 9 pupils.
Dr McClean added: “The HPV vaccine will help protect your child against HPV infection and associated cancers, including over 90% of cervical cancers in women, and cancers of the mouth, throat, anus and genitals in men and women, and against genital warts.
“When a young person receives the vaccine, their body will react by making antibodies that will help the immune system fight HPV infection.
“The vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer. If you have been eligible for the vaccine but have not received it in school, you can still receive it free of charge until the age of 25.
“Cervical cancer is a cancer that we can help prevent thanks to the HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programmes.
“We are confident that with good uptake of both we can drive down rates of cervical cancer to the point where it can almost be eliminated in years to come.”
