Woman Overcomes Cervical Cancer, Urges Others to Prioritize Health

Gráinne Culliton, a 50-year-old woman from Waterford, Ireland, reflects on her life-changing diagnosis of cervical cancer at the age of 38. Despite her efforts to maintain regular cervical screening, Culliton’s routine check-up in 2013 led to unexpected and devastating news: she needed a hysterectomy due to cancerous findings.

Culliton had always stayed on top of her health, routinely participating in cervical screening tests both in Britain and after returning to Ireland in 2003. However, after a seemingly positive letter indicated further tests were needed, she was unprepared for the Letz procedure that followed. “When they produced a big needle and said that they needed to do some slicing and cauterising, I was horrified,” she said.

The reality of her diagnosis hit hard. Culliton, who had hoped to become a mother, faced the reality that delaying surgery could have dire consequences. “If they allowed this to happen, we would then be having a very different conversation, as the cancer was already quite advanced,” she explained. The news left her feeling surreal and overwhelmed, marking a pivotal moment in her life.

After undergoing surgery and subsequent treatment, Culliton found that while her physical health returned, the emotional impact lingered. “Dealing with the consequences of not being able to have children was absolutely devastating,” she stated. Financial considerations also added to the strain, leaving surrogacy as their only option for starting a family.

In 2020, after years of challenges compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, Culliton and her husband Bobby welcomed two boys, Oisín and Donncha, now aged one and two. Despite her journey, she remains focused on ensuring that other women do not have to endure the same heartache. As World GO Day approaches on September 20, she emphasizes the importance of cervical screening and the HPV vaccine.

“Make sure to have your routine cervical screening and if you are eligible for a vaccine, take it,” she advised. She encourages women to be vigilant about their health and to voice any concerns to their healthcare providers. “What you think is insignificant may be the one thing that makes them decide to investigate further,” she cautioned.

Culliton also reaches out to those currently facing similar diagnoses, urging them not to lose hope. “Concentrate on getting well, take all the support offered, and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said, reflecting on the advances in medical science that continue to save lives.

Prof Nóirín Russell, the clinical director of CervicalCheck, acknowledges the increased awareness surrounding cervical cancer in recent years. “Their voices have encouraged women to attend cervical screening and to speak more openly about women’s health,” she said, highlighting the importance of public advocacy in improving healthcare access.

With over 1,400 gynaecological cancers diagnosed annually in Ireland, awareness is critical. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a fact that underscores the importance of vaccination. While not all HPV infections lead to cancer, persistent infection can cause cell changes that develop into cervical cancer over a decade or more.

Culliton remains grateful for her family and her health, despite the physical scars from her surgery. “I am thrilled to hear about the elimination of cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine and would strongly recommend that all parents get their children vaccinated,” she stated emphatically.

She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others to take proactive steps in their health journeys. “Imagine that we could save another woman experiencing what I have – that is an amazing advancement,” she concluded, emphasizing the power of awareness and early detection in the battle against cancer.

For more information on cervical cancer prevention and screening, visit credible health resources like www.hse.ie, cancer.ie, and mariekeating.ie.