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We all have heard the unfortunate news that Big Brother Celebrity Jade Goody has Cervical Cancer. I never had much respect for the loud mouth TV star, however when I heard the influence she has had on young women having smear tests my respect for this woman has grown beyond comparison. I have done some research into Cervical Cancer and I dedicate any influence this article has to women to Jade Goody.

Cervical Cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages. Treatment consists of surgery (including local excision) in early stages and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in advanced stages of the disease.

Pap smear screening can identify potentially precancerous changes. Treatment of high grade changes can prevent the development of cancer. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programs has reduced the incidence of invasive cervical cancer by 50% or more

Women! If you ever suffer with any of the following seek professional help!

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Discomfort in the cervical, private areas

& / Or

• You have a history of cancer (especially cervical)

What should I do next?

Get yourself to your doctor (GP) immediately for a smear test, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer for women, even if you are under the age of 25, it is your right to have a screening. Many times GP’s have miss judged under 25 year old women and it has turned out that these individuals do have cervical cancer, however rare this case may be, it still happens and you only need to ignore cancer to reap the unfortunate benefits such as

• Infertility
• Future Personal Issues
• Or even worse (DEATH)

Plan of action for all women to prevent cervical cancer

• Ensure that your signed up to a GP
• If you suffer with the above conditions insist to have treatment.
• Have a screening every year when you receive your slip from the GP.
• Speak to loved ones for support, if you don’t have anyone to speak to, talk friends, someone you trust or if you still don’t have anyone to speak to contact me.

Why is screening Cervical Cancer only available for women over 25?

I have found that Scotland and Ireland have the tests available for 20 years of age and yet it is over the age of 25 for England. I have heard stories and read many articles from women as young as 17 and 18 who have had cervical cancer, however rare it is very important that women under the age of 25 have as much of a right to have right treatment.

Thank you for reading

Gavin Townsend

 

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