CHLOE: ‘I’m proof cervical screening in your 20s saves lives’
When CBB star Chloe Goodman went for her first-ever smear test at 25, she assumed she’d get the all-clear – instead, she was told she was on the verge of developing cervical cancer
T he tragic death of TV star Jade Goody led half a million more women than usual to book a cervical screening – a momentum known as “The Jade Goody effect”. But ten years on, the effect appears to have worn off, as statistics show that one in three women under 30 in the UK don’t attend their cervical screening. Despite highprofile campaigns encouraging women to attend, many are still ignoring reminder letters – mostly due to embarrassment and fears over the procedure.
But reality star Chloe Goodman wants to warn women to book their cervical screening today. Despite being just 25, she discovered she had high-grade abnormal cells, which could likely have led to cervical cancer if left untreated.
SHOCK
Chloe says, “I got my screening invite a few weeks before my 25th birthday in June and booked in straight away. I knew something was wrong when just a few days after the test, they asked me back to the surgery. The doctor told me I had stage three abnormal cells – the next step is stage one cervical cancer. It was such a shock, but it made me realise how lucky I was to have it detected.”
Following a cervical biopsy, Chloe was told she would need an operation to remove part of her cervix as the cell changes were so severe. Eight months on, she’s making a good recovery, but Chloe admits her experience has made her reassess her future. She says, “Before the op, I asked the doctor if I’d still be able to have children and was told that while I shouldn’t have any problem conceiving, there is a slightly higher chance I might suffer an early miscarriage. I thought I had forever to think about kids, but now I do feel a little more urgency.”
FAMILY PLANS
The former Celebrity Big Brother star – who is in a relationship with footballer Grant Hall – is now awaiting test results and says she and her partner have discussed having a family sooner rather than later. She adds, “Having children now wasn’t in my immediate plan, but I don’t want to risk not having a family.”
Despite her ordeal, Chloe says she feels “grateful” for the early detection. And she urges younger women especially to take up their invite.
She says, “This was my first smear and I could never have imagined I’d be only one step away from cervical cancer. I’d urge young women to have their test because it could save your life – I’m living proof of that!”