“The outcome for me could have been a lot different, I was so lucky it was caught in the early stages. Cervical screening can save lives. Please don’t put it off, if you are anxious in any way about attending, talk to your GP or Nurse, they will make you feel at ease. It can truly make a difference in your life.” These are the words of 39 year-old Andrea Barker from Downpatrick who is urging women to prioritise their cervical screening following her diagnosis with Stage 1 Cervical Cancer in July 2023.
Andrea’s diagnosis came as a result of a timely cervical screening test, highlighting the critical importance of regular screenings in the early detection and treatment of Cervical Cancer.
Andrea initially visited her GP for an unrelated medical issue when her doctor noticed that her cervical screening test was overdue. Recognising the opportunity to conduct the screening during her visit, Andrea’s GP performed the cervical screening test. The results that followed confirmed the presence of Stage 1 Cervical Cancer.
Andrea is now encouraging women to attend their cervical screening appointments. She emphasises that early detection through these screenings can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Andrea said, “When the hospital contacted me following my screening test to say there was something abnormal had shown up, I guessed that it was something more serious.
“Receiving the diagnosis was a shock, but it has made me incredibly grateful for the diligence of my GP. It highlights the importance of not delaying these vital tests. At the time, I urged my family and friends to go and get their smear tests carried out as soon as possible, they all went straight away!
“The outcome for me could have been a lot different, I was so lucky it was caught in the early stages. Cervical screening can save lives. Please don’t put it off, if you are anxious in any way about attending, talk to your GP or Nurse, they will make you feel at ease. It can truly make a difference in your life.”
Andrea’s message is clear, do not ignore the call for cervical screening. Make the appointment, take the test, and protect your health!
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Paula Dempster added, “Attending for your cervical screening is one of the most important things that you can do to protect yourself from the risk of Cervical