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Comedian's 12-Year Smear Test Delay Sparks Health Alert
18 Jan
Summary
- Comedian Diona Doherty delayed her smear test for 12 years.
- Severe pre-cancerous cell changes were found during her recent test.
- An average of 84 women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed annually.
Comedian and mother-of-two Diona Doherty has shared her personal health scare, admitting to "stupidity" for neglecting her cervical health for 12 years. This prolonged delay in attending a smear test resulted in the identification of severe pre-cancerous cell changes.
Doherty underwent a procedure to remove part of her cervix due to the findings. She disclosed her experience on a podcast, emphasizing the importance of regular health check-ups and urging other women to avoid similar delays, highlighting her regret over the situation.
The incident underscores the critical nature of cervical screening. Statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry indicate that, between 2018 and 2022, an average of 84 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer annually.
