Why are nearly five million of us in the UK avoiding our smear tests?

AFTER Jade Goody tragically died of cervical cancer 10 years ago at the age of just 27, it prompted nearly half a million more women than usual to have a smear test in 2009.

Dubbed “the Jade Goody effect,” the reality star and mum of two’s death was a stark reminder of the consequences of missing just one cervical screening.

25

However, while health experts predicted it would be a huge learning curve for female patients, shockingly, a decade on, the number of women attending screenings has dropped to the lowest level since records began in 1995, with nearly a third of women in the UK risking their lives by skipping their smear test.

That’s why Fabulous has partnered with cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust to launch #CheersForSmears, a campaign aiming to ensure women across the UK attend their screenings, no matter what.

With around 3,200 women in the UK now being diagnosed with the disease every year – a number that is set to rise by around 40% within 20 years – and one in three dying from it, it’s clear we’re facing a cervical cancer time bomb.

But as it’s one of the only cancers that can be prevented through early screenings – and smear tests can actually stop 75% of cases from developing – why are millions of women avoiding them?

25

“Attendance is falling at an alarming rate,” explains Kate Sanger, spokesperson for Jo’s Trust.

“There are many reasons why women miss their screenings, from fear and embarrassment to a lack of available appointments. Survivors of sexual violence can also find it difficult to attend because of psychological issues.

Of course, there are also people who simply forget about it or don’t see smears as a priority. We all have a part to play and we’re delighted to be partnering with Fabulous on this campaign. We want to make sure everyone is more vocal and positive about screenings because they do save lives.”

According to new research from Jo’s Trust, the lack of convenient smear appointments is one of the main reasons women are missing theirs.

25

25

Although the NHS invites all women aged 25 to 49 for testing every three years, or every five years for those aged 50 to 64, almost one in 10 women have been offered times they couldn’t make when they last tried to book an appointment. More alarmingly, 7% were told there were no available dates.

But that’s not the only reason levels have dropped so low — women simply aren’t making their health a priority.

The data from Jo’s Trust also shows that a staggering 35% of us wouldn’t attend our smear if we had to take time off work and 26% say it’s too hard to make appointments with busy lifestyles, citing schedule conflicts with the gym, children and even waxing appointments.

Added to that, 35% of women report being too embarrassed to attend because of concerns over their body shape and the appearance of their vagina.

25

This was the case for Kelley Smith, 27, who despite being invited for a screening when she turned 25 in June 2016, ignored the letter out of fear and embarrassment. The following year she was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer, which is now incurable, and is now undergoing chemo to prolong her life.

“I know it sounds like a cliché, but I never thought cancer would happen to me,” says Kelley, who works in retail and lives in Kent with her 26-year-old fiancé, Andrew, a maintenance worker.

“When I was invited for my first smear, I stuck the letter on my fridge but then ignored it as the thought of someone inspecting me down there was mortifying. I was scared it would hurt, too, as I’d never had one before. I just kept thinking I’d book it another day but life always got in the way.”

However, the following year Kelley started experiencing painful cramps and irregular bleeding.

25

25

She assumed it was due to her contraceptive implant, which she’d had since she was a teenager, so booked an appointment with her GP, who then referred her for a smear in July 2017.

“Going for my first test, I was really nervous,” admits Kelley.

“It wasn’t the most comfortable experience, but the nurse put me at ease. A few weeks later I got called in by my GP as they’d noticed a small mark on my cervix. The doctor told me that it could be cancerous and referred me for a colposcopy and a biopsy. Even hearing those words didn’t worry me though, as I assumed he was just being cautious and I was too young to be diagnosed with anything serious.”

By the time doctors discovered the disease in September 2017, the cancer had spread to Kelley’s lymph nodes, and could become incurable without immediate treatment.

25

25

“Hearing the news, I went numb,” she recalls. “My mum and dad came with me to get my results and they were in shock, too. I couldn’t believe I was only 26 and facing a terminal illness. It was terrifying.

“We all had a cuddle, before asking the doctor what I needed to do  to fight it for as long as possible. Once I got home, I felt so angry with myself for not taking my health seriously.”

That October, Kelley started a gruelling course of chemo and radiotherapy.

“The treatment left me feeling so ill that I couldn’t eat, drink or socialise,” she says.

“When my hair started to fall out, I was devastated as it was really long and I loved it. All my friends clubbed together to buy me a lovely wig, which was really touching, but it was still tough to stay positive.”

When a scan in January 2018 showed that the cancer hadn’t changed, the next option was a radical hysterectomy six months later in an attempt to remove the cancerous cells.

“There wasn’t time to have any sort of fertility treatment beforehand, so I had to come to terms with the fact that I’d never become a mum naturally,” explains Kelley.

“I’ve never been particularly maternal, but it was upsetting having the decision taken away from me, especially as so many of my friends were having babies. But I’d rather be alive, so I had no option.”

Kelley’s latest biopsy in August revealed a new tumour on the site of the operation, and she was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

25

25

“I know the disease is incurable, but there’s still a spark inside me that’s determined to live,” she says.

“Andrew proposed to me in October and I’m planning our wedding for 2020. It’s really nice to have something positive to focus on. I don’t know what the plan is once the chemo is finished next month, but I have my friends, family and fiancé around me, so I want to focus on spending time with them and not moping.

“Putting off my smear test is my biggest regret. If I hadn’t, then they might have caught the cancer earlier and my life would be very different. That’s why I tell every woman I know to never miss an appointment even if they are scared or embarrassed – as nothing is as scary as cancer.”

Despite saving thousands of lives every year, it’s clear that smear tests are still taboo.

25

25

Just last month I’m A Celebrity! star Rebekah Vardy, 36 – wife of footballer Jamie Vardy - was trolled for posting a photo on Instagram of her legs while waiting for a smear test. Comments included: “Some things are best left private,” and “Maybe you should think about encouraging other women [to book their smear] without opening your legs and taking a pic of it.”

However, Rebekah won’t be put off stamping out the stigma surrounding smears.

“I had no idea how much of a stir the photo was going to cause – it’s a life-saving procedure, so why is a photo of me waiting to have one done so offensive?” she tells Fabulous.

“Of course it can be uncomfortable and a little embarrassing, but we need to get over that. After giving birth to my son Taylor, who’s now nine, I had abnormal cells and had to have regular screenings every six months. Thankfully I didn’t have cancer, but who knows what could have happened if they hadn’t kept an eye on everything? I know women have a lot going on with work and children, but screenings must be a priority.”

25

25

Like many women, busy mum Melitta Carter postponed booking her smear test for months, after her hectic lifestyle got in the way.

When she finally went for her screening five months after she was originally invited, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and tragically died just two years later, aged 53, leaving behind her three children Emily, 28, Nic, 26, and Georgie, 22, as well as husband Laurence, 58.

“When I started getting older, Melitta would always remind me about staying up to date with my health checks, but it never crossed my mind to remind her to go for a smear test,” admits Laurence, a bank director.

“So when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012, I was devastated. I felt like I should have done more to prevent it. It wasn’t just her responsibility to keep on top of her appointments, I should have reminded her, too.”

25

25

Within weeks of her diagnosis, Melitta had to undergo an emergency hysterectomy, as well as chemo and radiotherapy. But in July 2013 she was given the tragic news that she only had around a year to live.

“It was heartbreaking, especially when I thought about all the things she’d never get to do, such as go to our children’s graduations or weddings and that she’d miss ever meeting any of our grandchildren,” remembers Laurence.

“We were both determined to make the most of our last year together as a family, so we all went on holiday to Costa Rica, as well as America to see the Grand Canyon. It was incredible and I’ll treasure those moments forever.”

Melitta finally lost her battle with cervical cancer in September 2015 – a year longer than doctors predicted she would survive.

25

25

“That morning she smiled for the final time before passing away in our living room surrounded by family,” recalls Laurence.

“I can’t describe how painful it was to lose her after being married to each other for 26 years. Melitta wasn’t irresponsible or forgetful, she just had so much going on that life got in the way of booking her smear test on time. If she’d gone earlier, then that time could have made all of the difference – even if they weren’t able to save Melitta’s life, she could have lived for longer.

“We all have amazing women in our lives – daughters, sisters, mothers, girlfriends and wives – which is why it’s so important to make sure they attend their cervical screenings. While it’s too late for Melitta and me, don’t make it too late for your family.”

Read more about our campaign in Fabulous Daily and on Fabulous Digital this week. 

Celebrities backing #CheersForSmears

Chloe Madeley, 31

25

“A few years ago I had to have surgery after a smear test came back showing high-risk cancer cells on my cervix.

“Without having gone in the first place, there’s no knowing what my life would look like now. Don’t procrastinate, go for your screening and make sure you support #CheersForSmears.”

Fleur East, 31

25

“Going for smear tests is so crucial. It’s over in seconds and could help detect any issues early on, which could ultimately save your life.

“That’s why I’m supporting #CheersForSmears and encouraging every woman to go for their cervical screening.”

Kara Tointon, 35

25

“As women it’s so important that we remember our scheduled smear tests.

"Finding anything early is always a good thing and that's why I'm supporting #CheersForSmears."

Vicky Pattison, 31

25

“#CheersForSmears could be a case of life or death. Yes, a smear can be uncomfortable, but it can save your life.

“Friends have had abnormal results and it’s scary what might have happened if they hadn’t had one.”

Olivia Buckland, 25

25

“When the letter for my first screening arrived a few weeks ago, I tried to ignore it, but quickly realised it was too important to put off.

“I hope by saying #CheersForSmears I can make other women, including a friend who’s avoided her screening for two years, realise there’s nothing to be frightened of.”

Tamara Ecclestone, 34

25

"It's so important for women to go for smear tests - they save lives are vital in the fight against cancer. That's why I'm supporting #CheersForSmears."

• Visit  Kelley is supporting Cancer Research UK’s ‘Right Now’ campaign to beat cancer. For more information visit 

Vox pops: Molly Reynolds & Heidi Quinn.