Women Are Putting Their Lives At Risk

By Amy Woodfield, 22nd January 2012, 07:30

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust say more women are putting their lives at risk by not turning up to their smear test. When Jade Goody died from cervical cancer three years ago the number of women going to be tested increased but since then numbers have started to fall again.

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust says only 1 in 5 women are now attending their routine smear tests, the figures have been released as part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week that starts today.

28 year old Rebecca McCreath lives near Brackley in Northamptonshire, she attended her first routine smear test three years was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

She says it was a shock at 25 because she felt fit and healthy.

But she says she feels lucky they found it when they did despite having to have a hysterectomy: 

"If I hadn't have had mine for sure i would have had far more serious treatment than I had and actually chances are it might not have been treatable"

Last year more then 50,000 fewer women when for their routine test. Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust are particularly worried that 37% of women in their late 20's have not been tested for more than three years.

Rebecca understands it's not a nice test but says its a small price to pay for your life:

"I had friends who said they didn't go because it feels a bit uncomfortable, its awkward and a bit embarrassing, some people say its painful- ok i understand all of those things but its a two minute procedure which can save your life"

Cervical Cancer Prevention week is the 22nd-28th January 2012. 

You can find out more on Cervical Cancer and having a smear test at www.jostrust.org.uk.