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Social media reminders that this year marks ten years since the death of reality TV star Jade Goody, have coincided with a campaign to again encourage women to go for their smear tests.
The 27-year-old mum of two died on Mother's Day 2009, having been diagnosed with cervical cancer while appeared on one of the television shows which made her a household name at the time, the Indian version of Big Brother.
Goody had previously found fame almost overnight when she appeared on the third series of the British version of the reality show in 2002. She also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 and other television shows.
Her untimely death at the tragically young age of 27, when her children were just five and four years old, brought about a wider public awareness of female gynaecological cancers though.
Following her terminal diagnosis and death, there was a huge increase in the number of women making appointments for cervical screening. However, that spike has now reversed with many health professionals in the UK quoted as saying the so-called 'Jade Goody effect' has long passed.
Pictured: This post and others have been appearing on social media as the 10th anniversary of Jade Goody's passing approaches.
Dr Nikki Brink, Guernsey's Director of Public Health, hopes that recent social media and news coverage of the 10th anniversary of Ms Goody's death will have a positive affect again.
"Awareness of the importance of cervical screening is critical as cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer," she said.
"I believe that the introduction of free cervical screening in Guernsey and Alderney, together with a heightened awareness of the importance of cervical screening raised by the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Jade Goody, can have a positive impact as we work towards the elimination of cervical cancer."
Dr Brink had issued further advice this week, to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which aims to encourage more women to go for the test, which mainly feel is embarassing.
That advice is to:
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. What we now have in Guernsey and Alderney is a comprehensive programme, which includes HPV vaccination and free cervical screening, as well as a programme for the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. So during this week we are asking as many people as possible to reduce their risk of the disease and also to help educate others," Dr Brink said.
Pictured: Local nurses say no one needs to be embarrassed going for a smear test.
A Healthcare Group practice nurse also spoke with Express to share her experiences of conducting smear tests on local women, including many who are embarrassed.
She said there are lots of different reasons why a woman might feel nervous.
"She might be nervous of the result, she might have had a negative experience in the past, she might have heard scare stories or worry it will hurt, she might not like the thought of being examined or have body image issues. My advice to any woman who is nervous is to come and talk to her nurse about it. Every nurse understands that women can come with a whole range of thoughts and feelings; the nurse will take them all very seriously and will be happy to take the time to discuss them.
"I know it's easy for me to say, having been a nurse for so many years, but honestly, there is no reason to be embarrassed. But we do understand that some women do feel embarrassed, and we do our very best to put women at ease in any way we can, listening carefully to all their concerns. Nurses carry out these procedures every day and are all fully trained, experienced and professional."
She said each nurse will have different ways to put their patients at ease when they come for their appointments. Her own technique is to talk to each woman about the procedure.
"The first thing I do when a woman comes to me for a smear is to introduce myself, sit her down and ask her if she has any worries or concerns. Some women want to proceed straight away, but others come with concerns and questions that need addressing first. I give women all the time they need to discuss these, including showing them the equipment to be used if they are worried about that, and talking them through what will happen during the procedure. I let them know that at any point they can ask for the procedure to stop. In the vast majority of cases the actual taking of the sample is very quick, just a few seconds. Women are very welcome to bring a friend or partner for support if they wish. I also don't mind if they have a baby or small child with them. We do everything we can to make it as stress free and easy as possible."
Pictured: HSC recently announced some STI tests and smear tests are free.
Until recently, many women in Guernsey and Alderney had to pay for their smear tests at their local doctor's surgery but that has now been changed with free testing for ALL women in both islands.
Public Health Practitioner, Emily Davies, said that cost had previously been a barrier to some women but now that wasn't the case.
"As many women will be aware, from the 1 January 2019, free cervical screening was introduced in Guernsey and Alderney for women aged between 25 and 65. This is available through Primary Care, Choices and the Orchard Centre and allows women to attend a service of their choice. This new service has eliminated cost as a barrier to screening.”
On behalf of Bright Tights, the local charity which aims to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers, including cervical cancer, Pat Child said:
“I am delighted that HSC are providing such a comprehensive service to eliminate cervical cancer in the Bailiwick. We know, from women the charity has supported with the disease, how debilitating it can be. I would urge all woman to take advantage of the free screening.”
Pictured top: Jade Goody.
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