'At 38, I was told that I needed to have a hysterectomy because they had found cancer'

Gráinne Culliton was devastated when she was told she had to undergo a hysterectomy for cervical cancer at 38. However, she went on to become a mum of two through surrogacy

Pictured is Grainne Culliton from Tramore, Co. Waterford. Also pictured is her dog Jordan. Photograph: Patrick Browne

None of us relishes the process, but like most women, Gráinne Culliton always kept on top of her cervical screening tests — knowing that those few moments of discomfort could make the difference in catching cancer in its early stages.

Having lived in Britain for years, she dutifully went for routine checks while there and, after returning to Ireland in 2003, continued to do the same. There was never any problem reported, so when she received a letter a few months after a cervical screening test in 2013, which stated that further tests were required, she wasn’t concerned, particularly as “the letter was very positive” and stated that there was no need for anyone to accompany her.