Screening saves mother’s life twice

A MOTHER from Skye is urging women in the Highland to take part in a cervical screening programme.

Jo-Anne Ford, 46, from Portree, says regular participation in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme may have prevented her developing cervical cancer twice, and potentially saved her life.

Ms Ford used Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 22-January 28) to raise awareness of the programme, which invites all women aged from 25 to 64 to regularly attend cervical screening.

‘I have participated in cervical cancer screening since my early twenties and I’m in no doubt as to how important it is,’ explained Ms Ford.

‘It was thanks to regular participation in screening that pre- cancerous cells were discovered in my cervix when I was 34.

‘The test aims to pick-up changes in your cervix so they can be monitored or treated. I was lucky that changes were spotted at an early stage, allowing them to be treated before they developed further.

‘After my treatment, I continued to have the smear test.

‘Unfortunately I had abnormal cell changes a second time five years later, by which time I had moved to Skye. It was during this time I discovered the fabled Highland hospitality was genuine, as the nurses and staff at the hospital were fabulous with me.’

NHS Highland said Across Scotland, approximately 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and it is the most common cancer among women aged 34 and under.

Jo-Anne added: ‘It’s because of this that I want to tell my story and highlight the importance of cervical screening.

‘I appreciate that it is a delicate subject, however I would encourage women to put embarrassment to one side and take part in cervical screening. I’m living proof of how important it can be.’