Lalla Hirayama, the beloved media personality known for her candid approach to life, took to Instagram on December 1 to share a deeply personal and important update.
In a post that was equal parts vulnerable and empowering, she opened up about her recent health scare and diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Grade 3 (CIN III).
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of routine Pap smears and cervical health awareness.
For someone who has been candid about her mental health journey and her healing process through unconventional therapies like equestrianism, Hirayama’s openness about this experience is both inspiring and educational.
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Her Instagram caption began with a gentle nudge to her audience: “Ladies, if you haven’t gone for your Pap smear recently, please don’t leave it for too long.”
Despite being highly focused on her hormonal health and managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), she admitted that cervical health had taken a backseat in her routine.
Her experience is not uncommon — many women delay or overlook their Pap smears, often because they don’t fully understand its significance.
The Pap smear, or Papanicolaou test, is a simple and painless screening that detects abnormal cells in the cervix.
If left untreated, these abnormalities can progress to cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, but it’s also highly preventable through early detection and treatment.
Hirayama’s decision to get a Pap smear was prompted by her gynaecologist Dr Van Waart during a routine consultation.
What she thought would be a routine check-up turned into a life-changing moment when her results came back showing CIN III, a severe form of cervical dysplasia.
What happens if the results are abnormal?
Pap smear results typically fall into one of the following categories:
Normal: No abnormal cells are detected.
ASC-US (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance): Slightly abnormal cells, often requiring further testing to rule out HPV (human papillomavirus).
CIN 1, Il, or Ill (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia): Indicates abnormal cells classified by severity.
Cancerous cells: Rare, but if detected, immediate treatment is necessary.
In Hirayama’s case, her results showed CIN Ill, which is the most severe precancerous stage.
For the results necessitated a biopsy and surgical removal of the abnormal cells. Thankfully, her margins were clear, and her biopsy results were positive but she stressed the importance of follow-up testing in the months ahead.
Why women delay Pap smears
Hirayama’s story resonates with so many women who, for various reasons, put off their Pap smears. Some of the most common reasons include:
Fear or embarrassment: The idea of a pelvic exam can feel uncomfortable or invasive.
Lack of awareness: Many women don’t fully understand the purpose of a Pap smear or the risks of skipping it.
Busy lifestyle: Between work, family, and other responsibilities, health check-ups often fall to the bottom of the priority list.
Misconceptions: Some believe they only need a Pap smear if they’re experiencing symptoms, but cervical abnormalities often show no signs until they’ve progressed.
Hirayama’s candid post helps break down these barriers, showing that Pap smears are not just a routine procedure but a potentially life-saving test.
Modern and natural Medicine
One of the standout elements of Hirayama’s story is her balanced approach to health. While she is a strong advocate for natural medicine and holistic healing, she also recognises and appreciates the role of modern medicine.
Her experience highlights the importance of integrating the two. While lifestyle changes — like eating a balanced diet, exercising, and managing stress — can support cervical health, they cannot replace medical screenings.
Pap smears, biopsies, and treatments are critical tools in preventing cervical cancer, and, as Lalla put it: “There is a place for [modern medicine].”
Here are some practical steps to take charge of your cervical health:
Schedule regular screenings: Follow the guidelines for Pap smears based on your age and risk factors.
Ages 21–29: Every three years.
Ages 30–65: Every three years, or every five years with HPV testing.
65+: Testing may stop if previous screenings were normal.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about the process or your results.
Educate yourself: Learn about cervical health and the risk factors for cervical cancer.
Encourage others: Share your experiences and encourage the women in your life to stay on top of their screenings.
As the media personality aptly wrote: “Grateful for this body that has seen me through this roller-coaster life.”
Let’s honour our bodies by taking care of them — because they’re worth it.
