Media personality Lalla Hirayama is using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of reproductive health, especially cervical health. In a candid Instagram post, she shared her personal experience of being diagnosed with grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN3) after a routine visit to her doctor, urging women not to delay their pap smears.
A pap smear is a test in which cells are collected from the cervix to check for abnormal changes that could lead to cancer. Lalla, who has been focused on PCOS and hormonal health, admitted that she hadn’t paid as much attention to cervical health until this unexpected diagnosis.
“I know this could have just been a private thing. Maybe something to be embarrassed about. But I choose not to be. So I wanted to share… perhaps this may help someone,” Lalla wrote in her post.
She described how, during a recent visit to Dr. Van Waart in Stellenbosch, a casual conversation about her gynecological health led to an impromptu pap smear. “It had been a while… a couple of years to be honest. Not good,” she confessed. After receiving her results, Lalla was diagnosed with CIN3, a condition that can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.
Despite the initial shock, Lalla was relieved to share that her biopsy results were positive, and the treatment was effective. “I was diagnosed with CIN3 and it was scary. But I’m on the other side and my biopsy results are good… in months I’ll need to test again to make sure,” she wrote.
Lalla also reflected on the complexities of managing her health. “I wish we all had an introductory instruction manual for our bodies. Over the years there’s so much troubleshooting I’ve had to figure out… the interlink between body, emotional, mental, and spiritual health is hard to ignore,” she explained.
In her message, Lalla encouraged women to take control of their health and not let fear or embarrassment prevent them from getting the care they need. “Ladies, if you haven’t gone for your PAP smear recently, please don’t leave it for too long,” she urged.
Her post, which blends vulnerability with a strong message of self-care, has inspired many to prioritise their health and seek regular checkups.
