A Teal Butterfly for Her: Honoring my Aunt and Promoting Prevention

Image note: The teal butterfly symbolizes gynaecological cancer awareness and holds a deep, personal meaning to my family. 

I lost someone very close and important to me. She was my second mother, someone I could run to and confide in, judgment-free. My aunt passed away at the end of February 2025 after a two-year battle with cervical cancer. What started as menstrual pain and bleeding slowly turned into something more serious. She spent her final years in and out of chemotherapy, appointments, and hospitals, trying her best to be her happy, supportive self. 

I vividly remember every step of her diagnosis to the end. It started with her using heating pads at work and not being able to move around her office. Every morning when I walked into school, she was the first person I went to see. I watched her smile and sassy personality holding on. I remember her flare-ups of pain during the day, doing anything I could to help her through the pain.

The year she was diagnosed, my mom spent her summer at chemotherapy appointments with her. There was never a moment our family wasn’t with her. To celebrate the successful chemo and radiation therapy, my aunt deserved a vacation to realign herself with her family, for things to “go back to normal.” It was only a short few months later that she wound up back at the hospital. The treatments didn’t kill the cancer, just slowed it down. She wasn’t around as much as I wished she was during my senior year of high school, but she was there to celebrate my 18th birthday. That was the last memory I have of her being herself. A year fast-forwarded, and this disease was winning; her family was in denial, hoping she would fight back again. Once I moved to university, I had only seen her once, a month before her passing. It was the first time I had seen her in the hospital. I could see the fear and pain in her eyes. I could feel myself fading away with her. I spoke to her on the phone the day before her passing. I miss her every day, and I hold it close to my heart that I was able to tell her “I love you” one last time. 

This experience is the reason I care. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can prevent, so knowing the facts can protect your life.

January is cervical cancer awareness month, and to preserve her memory and honor her, I’m here to share ways we can be proactive in our health. Losing her made me realize how easily we dismiss pain, especially pain in women’s bodies. 

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. It develops in the cervix and is most commonly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a persistent, high-risk infection. It is one of the most preventable forms of cancer; however, it continues to affect and take the lives of so many people. Several cervical cancer symptoms overlap with normal menstrual and hormonal change complaints. Early detection improves the outcomes drastically. Because early cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, the only reliable way to detect precancerous changes is through routine screening, not waiting for symptoms to appear. 

Symptoms include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. That is why it is essential to consult your gynecologist and get examined if something feels off. Guidelines do vary by country and organization, but it is recommended to begin cervical cancer screening around the ages of 25-30, continuing to your 60s, with testing intervals depending on the test type and risk (When you'll be invited for cervical screening - NHS).  A Pap smear checks for abnormal cervical cells, while an HPV test detects the high-risk virus that will ultimately lead to cancerous changes. Both exams look for precancerous and cancerous cells with different mechanisms. In many national programs, HPV testing is the primary method because HPV often predicts cancer risk better than the Pap smear alone. Individuals who test negative for the HPV test can wait longer until their next testing. A new method calls for self-testing at home. With this self-screening, you swab your own sample and send it to the lab. It’s a great way to avoid the speculum and pelvic exam. 

The check-up consists of a Pap smear, a cell swab sent to labs to detect abnormalities, and ultrasounds. Does it hurt? Yes. Isn’t it scary? Also, yes. I do these things to be proactive and to keep my promise to my aunt and mom. 

The most common way to transmit HPV is through intimate skin-to-skin contact. A study published in 2019 finds that uncircumcised men are more likely to carry HPV and other STIs in their foreskins, which creates a moist environment for the virus to stay in. Using condoms or other safe sex practices reduces the chance of your sexual partner contracting it. 80% of sexually active people have HPV at some point in their lives, and they might not even know it (HPV and Relationships – NCCC). 

A new development in the medical field is the HPV vaccine. The vaccine lowers the risk of cervical cancer up to 90% (World Health Organization). It is important to get this done before becoming sexually active, but it can benefit people up to the age of 45. With regular screenings and vaccination, cervical cancer can be beaten head-on. 

Finding a clinic isn’t as hard or expensive as one might think. In many countries, cervical screenings are covered by public health insurance or are free for eligible age groups. For the Netherlands, contact your general practitioner to be referred to a gynecologist. Gynecologist appointments can be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking, but they are one of the most essential things to protect your long-term health.

What does an appointment look like? Before your appointment, you fill out paperwork covering your family and medical history, menstrual cycle, sexual health, medications, and any symptoms or concerns. You don’t need to be shy or feel awkward with your gynecologist; they are there, judgment-free, to make you feel comfortable and safe. Before the examination starts, you’ll have a conversation with your doctor discussing the paperwork and any other follow-up questions they may have. During the examination, you’ll be propped up in an examination chair with your feet on the stirrups. It is normal to feel pressure or discomfort, but you can ask to stop at any point during the exam. The Pap smear, ultrasound, and, if requested, the HPV test will be performed during this time. Results from your tests come in after a few days or weeks. 

Cervical cancer is preventable. Don’t delay your next appointment. Encourage your friends and family to get tested and vaccinated. Have an awkward conversation. Every step you take is a step towards a healthy, long life.