Irish woman diagnosed with cervical cancer at 24 shares video of symptoms to raise awareness

Heather was just 24 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

This week is the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Early last year, a young Irish woman shared her story on Facebook of how she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, to raise awareness and help people to realise the importance of smear tests. Heather Keating was just 24 when she was diagnosed and used the post to highlight the symptoms of the illness so that other women knew what to look out for. The original post was shared over 3,500 times with many people praising her for her bravery. Now Heather has created a video of her story to further spread awareness of the preventable disease. She explains that she initially noticed an issue when she was bleeding between periods as well as after sex. She was referred to a gynaecologist who, after a biopsy, told her she had cervical cancer. Heather had surgery, which the doctor told her would affect her fertility. Following the surgery she was told that she was cancer free. She adds that this cancer is preventable and that women can take measures to prevent it. ''Young girls can get the HPV vaccine'' she explains, this is a vaccine available to all girls in first year of secondary school. Heather was not eligible for the HPV vaccine as she was too old when it became available, she adds that because she was 24 she was too young to have a smear test. ''This is why it's so important that woman know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for'' she said. "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'' You can watch Heather bravely share her story below.