CLOSER NEWS REPORT COULD SHARING YOUR SMEAR TEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA SAVE LIVES? ❛ I FEEL IT’S MY DUTY TO SPREAD THE WORD ❜

The number of women attending cervical screenings has fallen to an all-time low. But celebs are leading the way on Instagram and Facebook in a bid to break down the stigma…

e’re used to stars baring all online, W but when WAG Rebekah Vardy posted a picture of herself on Instagram, waiting to undergo a smear test, some of her followers were shocked.

Trolls accused the 36 year old of oversharing with the photo, which showed her bare legs spread and the white covers pulled up to her thighs. But charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust credited her with reminding women to get tested.

WORRYING TREND

The number of women attending cervical screening tests in the UK is at its lowest in 21 years, with almost five million women overdue and 900 women dying of cervical cancer every year. Two weeks ago, mum-of-four Natasha Sale died aged 31, after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. She’d spent her final months campaigning to have the screening age lowered from 25 to 18.

But as more women share their stories online – including celebrities such as Michelle Keegan and MIC’S Binky Felstead – it’s hoped that social media could hold the key to reversing this worrying trend.

Kate Sanger, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, says, “When celebs post about their smears, it has a really positive impact. It can be a reminder to book a test and provide support and encouragement. Through our #Smearforsmear campaign – which begins on 21 January – we ask people to post smeared lipstick selfies with messages of support or tips, and to remind other women about the importance of the test. We know it works, as every January GPS are inundated with women booking tests.

“But we need to keep this momentum going. We saw a spike in women attending smear tests after the death of Jade Goody but, ten years on, that effect has worn off. What we need is ordinary women – not just celebs – sharing their positive smear test experiences on social media all year round. Some women simply forget to attend tests, while others are embarrassed or avoid them because they’re worried about being in pain. By constantly sharing we could get to a point where smear tests become an ordinary part of life.”

Alice Hyde had been ignoring her smear reminders for over could have been treated before they progressed to cancer.

She says, “My cancer was 99.8 per cent avoidable. But I was too embarrassed to go for my smear, even after receiving multiple letters. After my diagnosis, I posted my story on Facebook. I hoped it would encourage other women to go to their smears.”

ENCOURAGING OTHERS

She adds, “Women have contacted me saying I’ve inspired them to be tested, which is amazing.”

Alice had a successful operation to remove her tumour.

She says, “Hearing you have cancer is the most terrifying thing imaginable. I didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but there’s a chance the cancer cells could have spread to my pelvic lymph nodes, so I’m being closely monitored. I feel it’s my duty to spread the word.”