Blog
The Importance of Cervical Screening: A Personal Perspective
Jan
– written by Malin Kelly –
As a busy professional, juggling the demands of being CEO at Modig while managing life’s many other responsibilities, it’s easy to let personal health slide down the priority list. But sometimes, life has a way of reminding us just how vital it is to prioritise our well-being.
This reminder came for me recently when a routine cervical smear test—something I scheduled more out of a sense of duty, and repeated reminders, than urgency—revealed findings that required further investigation. Thankfully, my story has a positive outcome, but it was a wake-up call: cervical screening is not just important—it’s lifesaving.
Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it remains a significant health issue. This is why campaigns like Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (running this year from 20th to 26th January) are crucial in spreading awareness and encouraging women to take proactive steps in their health journey.
In Ireland, cervical screening is available through the CervicalCheck programme, and it’s recommended that:
- Women and individuals with a cervix aged25 to 65 participate in regular screenings.
- The first screening should happen atage 25, with follow-ups every 3 to 5 years, depending on your age and medical history.
Screening detects early changes in cervical cells, often long before symptoms arise, allowing for timely treatment. For me, the knowledge that I was taking control of my health, even during busy periods, was empowering.
A Personal Reflection
While I won’t go into the specifics of my experience, I can say this: that routine test—and the follow-up care that came after—was a stark reminder of how critical these checks are. It’s easy to think, “It won’t happen to me,” but the truth is, it can happen to anyone. Taking the time to attend your smear test could quite literally save your life.
Lessons from Vicky Phelan
We cannot discuss cervical cancer awareness in Ireland without acknowledging the profound impact of Vicky Phelan. Her bravery in speaking out about the failures in Ireland’s CervicalCheck system highlighted the importance of accountability and advocacy for women’s health.
In her book Overcoming, Vicky writes:
“I want my children to grow up in a country where they know that if something goes wrong, it will be acknowledged, and it will be fixed.”
Her words serve as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play—not only in looking after our health but also in supporting systemic improvements in healthcare.
Take Action for Yourself
For me, this experience reinforced the importance of not letting the “busyness” of life get in the way of something as vital as health. If you’ve been putting off your smear test, take this as your sign to book it. Encourage your colleagues, friends, and loved ones to do the same.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a perfect time to reflect, raise awareness, and take proactive steps. By prioritising regular screenings and staying informed, we can protect ourselves and support those working to prevent cervical cancer entirely.
Health, safety, and well-being are cornerstones of a balanced work-life. Protecting your health is not just personal—it’s a way to lead by example.