A Bangor woman whose cervical cancer was detected through routine screening is recovering after surgery and urging others not to miss their appointments.

Pauline Cameron attended a cervical screening in June 2025 with no prior health concerns. The test later showed abnormalities, prompting a follow-up visit in September.

Further examination at Lagan Valley Hospital involved a LLETZ procedure to remove pre-cancerous cells from the cervix. During surgery, medical staff identified something of concern.

She was subsequently called to the Ulster Hospital in November and told that cancerous cells had been found, but that the condition was treatable.

Ms Cameron underwent a full hysterectomy approximately six weeks ago and reports a good recovery with support at home. She said early detection made all the difference, as the cancer was only millimetres in size and might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 in Northern Ireland. The test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus linked to most cervical cancers.

Fiona Rice, a gynae oncology nurse at the Ulster Hospital, said the screening programme allows cell changes to be monitored from an early stage, enabling timely investigation and treatment. She recommended anyone invited for screening attend their appointment and be alert to potential symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge.

Ms Cameron stressed that women should prioritise smear tests regardless of life’s demands, noting that early detection saved her life.