Local GPs are reminding women of life-saving screening in the run-up to the fifth anniversary of Jade Goody’s death.
A huge spike in cervical screening tests was seen soon after reality TV personality Jade died of cervical cancer in March 2009.
And local GPs are hoping for another sharp rise in take-ups as they reiterate their call for local women aged 25-64 to have their test, nearly five years on from the Big Brother star’s death at the age of just 27.
Women in Coventry are less likely to have a cervical smear compared to other areas in the country.
And NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) stresses its importance, saying the test is simple, pain-free and only takes a few minutes.
Dr Steve Allen, accountable officer of the CCG and a local GP in Coventry, said: “The sad death of Jade Goody at a young age is a clear example of the importance of having a cervical screening test.
“Some women might feel a little embarrassed to have the test or think it is going to be painful.
“It may be that they don’t have time – or don’t understand what it is for – but what’s more important in life? Think about your loved ones too.
“If you think you are overdue for a cervical screening test, don’t leave it too late, check with your local GP surgery to arrange an appointment with the practice nurse.
“It is simple, pain-free and will take just five or ten minutes.
“Cervical cancer is relatively simple to prevent if you have regular smears. It is a very unpleasant condition to treat though, once it develops.“
It is estimated that early detection and treatment can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers.
About 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year and current treatments are very effective when diagnosed at an early stage.
Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, says: “Every day eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three lives are lost to the disease.
“Cervical screening can help reduce these numbers. The screening programme saves 5,000 lives each year in the UK yet 20 per cent of women are not attending their cervical screening test annually.
“The more we can do to stress the importance of this life saving test, the better.”