A Chorlton woman undergoing treatment for cancer is urging women and people with a cervix across Greater Manchester to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited.
Siobhan Kennedy urges women to book their smear tests
Siobhan Kennedy, 36, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April 2024 after she previously missed her cervical screening test a few years earlier. She underwent radiotherapy and brachytherapy at The Christie, which successfully removed the cancer from her cervix.
However, a scan in October 2024 revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs. The disease is now metastatic and incurable.
Siobhan received palliative chemotherapy from January to April 2025 alongside immunotherapy and is currently receiving ongoing immunotherapy every three weeks. She hopes this treatment will continue to be effective for as long as possible. To mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, Siobhan is encouraging others to attend screening appointments and see a GP if something does not feel right.
Figures released by Cancer Research UK in December show at least nine million people across the UK are not up to date with NHS cancer screening.
In Greater Manchester, four NHS screening programmes are available:
- Cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 – you will be invited every 5 years to check the health of your cervix. Cervical screening used to be called a smear test.
- Breast screening for women and people registered as female aged 50–71
- Bowel screening for people aged 50–74
- Lung cancer screening for smokers and ex-smokers aged 55–74, currently being rolled out locally
Siobhan completed a triathlon with her friends to raise money for The Christie Charity
Invitations are sent by post or text or via the NHS app when people are eligible -please turn on notifications so you do not miss important appointment messages or reminders. Anyone who believes they should have been invited is advised to contact their GP.
Siobhan said: “I got the text inviting me to book a smear but then I forgot about it and life got in the way. I had a busy job working in care, and I was looking after my mum. You always think it’s not going to affect you.
“But now if any of my friends tell me they’ve not been, I tell them to get it booked! No one wants to go through what I’ve been through!
“I know everyone is busy but even if it means taking time off work or being late for seeing your friends it’s worth it – so that you can make sure you are still seeing your friends in years to come.”
Siobhan said staff at The Christie had been amazing during her cancer treatment. She is now living life to the full and staying positive that her treatment will keep working. She’s also making her way through a bucket list which has included dying her hair blue, getting a matching tattoo with her best friends Sasha and Cara, going on a zip wire and enjoying a spa day with the help of her family, friends and work colleagues who have fundraised for her – including her work colleagues, brother and his friends who climbed Mount Snowden. Her friends have also raised money for The Christie Charity on her behalf by taking part in a triathlon and organising a fun day.
Dr Nadia Ali-Ross, clinical lead for gynaecological cancers at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We know people can lead busy lives but cervical screening, can save your life so please do prioritise your appointment.
“If you are worried about having a smear, please speak to your GP or practice nurse when you get your invite. They are used to helping people feel at ease. It’s also important to see your GP if you experience symptoms.
“Symptoms of cervical cancer can include:
- vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to your vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.
“These symptoms can be caused by other things too and will not always mean cancer, but it is important to speak to your GP and get checked out.
“Finally, I also really encourage parents to have their children vaccinated against HPV. This virus is associated with several cancers and preventing HPV will protect people irrespective of gender.”
For more about cervical cancer, see the NHS website / Cervical cancer – NHS