TUESDAY, 20 JANUARY, 2026

Photograph attached: L-R Gynae Cancer Lead Dr Kalpana Ragupathy, Darlene Malone and Associate Director for Public Health Heidi Douglas

“Stay safe, get your smear test” – says Dundee cervical cancer survivor

A Dundee woman who believes her life was saved by routine cervical screening is urging others not to miss their smear test.

Darlene Malone, 51, was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer following a routine screening appointment last year.

She said, “I would say that everyone should do it, don’t put it off, going for my cervical smear saved my life. It was a shock as I had absolutely no symptoms so I would not have known if I hadn’t gone to my screening appointment. I feel very lucky as it was caught at an early stage and that’s because it was picked up at the smear test.”

Darlene, a health records manager with NHS Tayside, has now undergone a range of clinical treatment, including surgery, and is recovering well.

She added, “I have tried to be positive through the whole experience. All of the staff that helped me have been amazing through everything and gave me so much support.

“Having a positive attitude has definitely helped my journey and I take every step in my stride. I have even started completing my bucket list of things I have always wanted to do – I got a tattoo, went to Boston to see the ice hockey, taken horse riding lessons and I also got my wee puppy Daisy. She has been an absolute saviour for me and has been my very own therapet - I love her to bits.

“Being diagnosed still feels a bit surreal as I didn’t have any symptoms and I wasn’t in pain. I would advise everyone – 100% - to go for their screening. I wouldn’t have known by any other way and it meant I could be treated much earlier. I know people might be worried about going or feel nervous but it is a life saver. Stay safe and get your smear test.”

NHS Tayside Gynae Cancer Lead Dr Kalpana Ragupathy, who treated Darlene, said, “We are very grateful to Darlene for sharing her experience because her journey really highlights the importance of getting your cervical smear screening.

“Around 30 to 40 women in Tayside are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and sadly many have not been for regular screening. Individuals who present with symptoms rather than changes in the smear are more often diagnosed with later stages of cervical cancer, which are harder to treat and often need radiotherapy and chemotherapy which can lead to loss of fertility.

“The key symptoms of cervical cancer are persistent irregular or unexpected bleeding or discharge. These symptoms can also be associated with benign conditions, so it’s important that the cervix is checked to ensure there are no sinister changes.

“Cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer, as it can identify the early stages of the disease before there are any signs or symptoms. Cervical screening can help stop cancer before it starts.”

Want to know more about your smears?

• Talk to your nurse or GP

• Visit nhsinform.scot or call 0800 224488 (textphone 18001 0800 22 44 88). The helpline is open every day 8am-10pm and also provides an interpreting service.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740138