Pauline tells her story on how a routine smear test detected cervical cancer
A Bangor woman whose Cervical Cancer was detected following a routine screening appointment is urging others to attend their smear tests, regardless of what else may be happening in their lives.
Pauline Cameron attended her regular Cervical Screening appointment in June 2025 and like many women, expected everything to be routine.
Cervical Screening is offered routinely to women aged 25 to 64. The test checks for the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most Cervical Cancers and abnormal cell changes.
Sitting amongst the stacks of books that fill her home, Pauline explained how she had attended her appointment as normal. She said: “I did not think another thing about it, as I have had no issues all through the years I have been attending.
“I waited for my results and the results were that some changes in the test had been detected. I was asked to come back for a further appointment in September.”
Following further investigations, Pauline underwent a, ‘LLETZ’ procedure (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) at Lagan Valley Hospital. The procedure is used to remove abnormal, pre-cancerous cells from the Cervix.
Pauline said: “The staff supported me so much and were absolutely wonderful.”
Pauline explained that the Doctor who carried out the procedure advised her that something of concern had been identified during surgery. “At the end of November, I was asked to come to the Ulster Hospital and to bring someone with me.
“They had found cancerous cells, but they reassured me that everything was very treatable.”
Now passionate about raising awareness of Cervical Screening, Pauline is encouraging those not to ignore their screening invitations, and said: “If I had not followed through with those appointments and things had just continued on as they were, then this cancer, and we are talking millimetres of cancer, would not have been detected.”
Pauline underwent a full hysterectomy six weeks ago and is recovering well.
A keen runner who has competed and completed a number of Paris Marathons, Pauline added” “My recovery has been good. I have been taking it easy and I have great support at home.”
“No matter what is going on in your life, go for your smear tests. We have the most incredible Health Service and this is a test that can save your life.
“You think, ‘Oh, it will not be me,’ but I never had any health problems and I did not feel anything that felt wrong. That is why it is so important to attend your screening appointments.
“Early detection made all the difference for me.”
Ulster Hospital Gynae Oncology Nurse, Fiona Rice, added: “We are fortunate to participate in the Cervical Screening Programme which allows cells on the cervix to be monitored for changes from a very early stage.
“Early detection of cell changes on the cervix allows timely action for further investigation and treatment.
“I would recommend that anyone called for routine Cervical Screening should attend that appointment. I would also encourage everyone to be vigilant in recognising the signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding usually between periods, after or during sex or at any time after the menopause;
- Discomfort or pain during sex;
- Other symptoms may include an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.
“It is important to seek immediate medical assessment if you have any of the symptoms above.”
