How my story begins: My story began when I visited a hospital for a routine check up and found a free screening camp had been set up at that facility. I decided to be screened and that is when I was told my screening test had turned out to be positive.

Life before my diagnosis: My life was normal before diagnosis. I had no problem and my health was very good.

How I felt after diagnosis: After diagnosis, I was in shock at the mention of the word "cancer" because you see death. So I thought my life had come to an end.

Telling my family and friends: I am a single mother of three and my children were still fairly young. But I had to tell them and reassure them it was going to be well.

My treatment: My treatment included a hysterectomy and 25 sessions of radiotherapy. My doctor did not recommend chemo because I was in the initial stage of cancer.

How I felt after treatment: After the operation, my healing was fast, but when I started radiotherapy, I went through a lot of challenges. I had severe diarrhea, my rectum came out and I could not hold urine or stool. After radiotherapy, I had lymphedema on my left leg and I also developed high blood pressure.

What was most difficult for me: Accepting that I had cervical cancer.

What I did to help myself: I prayed to God to heal me, restore my health, then I remained optimistic that all was going to be well.

My life after cancer: After two years on close monitoring, the doctor informed me that I was cancer free after undergoing several tests. I was overjoyed.

Where I am today: Today I am a happy woman and I am 11 year surviving cancer free. I thank God for healing me.

What I want other women to know: Women should know that they have a responsibility to take care of their health; regular screening may save their life and they should be in control of their lives.

How I will try to help others: I try to help other people by encouraging them to go for a pap smear at least once per year. I also encourage them to go for regular full medical check ups. I speak at any opportunity I get and also tell people that cancer is treatable if diagnosed early.

Any additional information you'd like to share: Cancer is the leading killer among women and its good to go for screening in order to save lives. We should do more advocacy.