A routine phone call from the clinic divided Anastasia’s life into "before" and "after." What began as a standard medical check-up turned into a fight for her health and a complete re-evaluation of her values. Today, Anastasia shares her story to remind women in Turkmenistan to undergo timely screenings and not to fear a diagnosis.
An Unexpected Call
Anastasia admits that until that day, she felt perfectly healthy. When she received a call from her local clinic offering a free Pap test (cervical cytology screening), she almost didn't think twice about it.
"Before that, I didn't even know what the test was or why it was necessary," she recalls. "I felt completely fine and went to take the test simply because the clinic recommended it. When I received the results and saw that they were concerning, I didn't immediately realize how serious it was."
At that time, Turkmenistan was conducting a state-funded free screening program aimed at the early detection of cervical cancer. It was this initiative that allowed Anastasia to learn about the disease at a stage when medical intervention could still help.
From Anxiety to Action
The path to recovery was not simple. The initial analysis was followed by further tests: an HPV test and a colposcopy. Her calm turned into fear when doctors discovered dysplasia and recommended a conization, a procedure to remove the affected tissue.
"The word “conization” sounded terrifying. I had never heard of it," Anastasia shares. "There was a deep sense of the unknown. During those days, my husband was my main pillar of support; his calm and confidence helped me make it to the operating room."
The Most Important Words
The surgery was successful, but the hardest part was waiting for the histology results. The recovery period required discipline; Anastasia had to temporarily give up sports, which had been a vital part of her life.
The day the doctor said, "There are no signs of cancer," became Anastasia’s second birthday.
"Those words were a massive relief. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. At that moment, I could finally breathe. I went to my first follow-up examination with fear-worried that something might have returned. But the results were good: no atypical cells were found. I breathed a sigh of relief."
The Key Insight
Today, Anastasia is an active advocate for regular medical check-ups. She understands that her story could have ended differently if not for the accessible government program and timely diagnosis.
UNFPA in Turkmenistan continues to support the government's efforts in the fight against cervical cancer. Since August 2022, the Cervical Cancer Screening Program has been implemented in Turkmenistan, aiming for early detection and a reduction in morbidity. Within the framework of this national program, 97% of women in the target group (ages 29–55) have been reached over the past three years. Anastasia’s case confirms: screening is not just a medical procedure; it is a real chance to save a life and preserve family well-being.
Anastasia’s Message to Women:
"Take care of your health. If you don't do it, no one will do it for you. Our children need us, our families need us, and above all, we need ourselves. If my experience helps even one woman go to the doctor in time, then sharing my story was truly worth it.”
