Marnie ...

28-year-old Marnie from Kent, who’s getting married this year to her long-term partner, was thankful that she did attend her screening appointments as she was diagnosed with abnormal cells on her 3rd smear test appointment at her local GP’s clinic. “I can’t stress how important it is to attend your appointment,” says Marnie, “If I hadn’t attended, I wouldn’t have been diagnosed and treated early. It may be uncomfortable, but for the sake of a 3-minute check-up it’s certainly worth it for peace of mind. The alternative could be a lot worse.”

Carmen ...

29-year-old Carmen from Lincoln, agrees, “I am always reluctant to attend my screening appointments, but am thankful that I did as my last appointment in January detected abnormal cells. I’ve just had a biopsy and am nervously waiting for the results. I imagine that, like myself, most women in this age group are not at all clear about HPV and the link with cervical cancer. Also, psychologically, the stigma I felt was attached to possibly having HPV, despite being in an 11-year relationship, is why I do not feel able to discuss it with my family at the moment.”

Claire ...

Claire, 27, who lives in Nottingham, only attended her screening because she’d read in a magazine about ’30 Things To do Before You’re 30’. She was confused about HPV and had no idea that it could lead to cancer. Luckily, Claire did attend, because she was also diagnosed with abnormal cells that, without treatment, could have led to cervical cancer. Claire’s message is clear, “My 25-year-old sister only went for a screening because I nagged her to go. A lot of women fob it off, thinking it is just too embarrassing. I would urge all women to attend their screening appointment. Having a smear test could save your life.”