24 year-old Cervical cancer survivor, who was 'too young' for a smear test reveals the signs EVERY woman should look out for...

A young woman diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 24 has shared her story on Facebook to raise awareness and encourage more young women to go for smear tests regularly. Heather Keating, from Tipperary, Ireland, was diagnosed with the disease a year before she was eligible for a smear test on the NHS - and now she has spoken of the importance of knowing the symptoms to look for. see more after the cut.

When she first went to her GP complaining of bleeding in between periods and after sex, she claims she was initially told to come back when she was 25.

Writing on Facebook, the sales assistant explained: 'Because I was 24 I was not entitled to a free smear and the early cell changes in my cervix were not picked up.'

But when the symptoms continued until she became anaemic, she was referred to a specialist who eventually diagnosed stage one cervical cancer.

HEATHER'S FACEBOOK POST IN FULL 

'I want to share my story, to help others be more aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer. So that girls under 25 that are not entitled to a free smear know what to look out for and for those who are over 25 be more aware of the importance of going for your smear.

'I was diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer at the age of 24. Because I was 24 I was not entitled to a free smear and the early cell changes in my cervix were not picked up.

'I started bleeding between my periods and bleeding after sex. I went to see my GP and was told to come back when I was 25 for a smear. I thought that's fine. 

'Never in my wildest dreams did I think I had cancer. Three months later the bleeding got worse and I became anaemic. I returned to my GP and was referred to a gynecologist. Biopsies were taken and I was then referred to an gynecology oncology specialist and then I was brought into the room! 

'You know the room were people get bad news. With the box of tissues on the table. I knew what was coming....... I was told I had cervical cancer and that book was handed to me. I needed an MRI to see if the cancer had spread from my cervix. 

'The results would decide what treatment I needed. Fortunately the cancer was confined to my cervix and surgery would be able to remove it. Four weeks after being told I had cancer it was gone! I was lucky so so so lucky to have caught it on time.

'I AM CANCER FREE!

'That was the most dramatic emotionally painful experience of my life and no one should ever have to go through it. So with your help I want to share my story so that there is more awareness around cervix cancer.

'If your over 25 please go for your smear tests make time for it! They are so important. I wish I had the opportunity to have caught the cell changes before it became cancerous. If you are under 25 and feel something is not right please go and get it check out with your GP.

'The symptoms are: Abnormal bleeding - heavy or longer periods - between periods- after sex - after menopause Foul smelling discharge Pain or discomfort in the pelvis or during sex

'The more this is shared the more awareness it will create and hopefully more people will have caught it in time or before it even begins! So please share this and make sure your friends and family are going for there smears, there is nothing to be embarrassed about! It could save your life!'