Jade Goody inspires a surge of cancer screenings (From Sutton Guardian)

Jade Goody inspires a surge of cancer screenings

7:30am Saturday 14th March 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Specialists from Sutton and Merton PCT claim to have seen a groundswell in demand for cervical cancer screenings amid national coverage of Jade Goody’s terminal illness.

Although the statistics have not yet been compiled, doctors in the area estimate there will be a 20 per cent rise increase in laboratory samples received for surgical screenings.

Jennifer Heape spoke to two cervical cancer survivors leading a campaign to reduce the age at which people are screened in the UK.

Tessa was only 24 when she was diagnosed with the devastating and life-threatening disease, cervical cancer.

Over the past year Tessa has not only endured five months of chemotherapy and a full hysterectomy, but along with other south London women, has been at the forefront of a national campaign by cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust to improve the screening policy in England.

More than 2,800 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year and it is the second most common cancer in women under 35.

Early detection through routine screening remains the most effective method of preventing cervical cancer. Jo's Trust is taking its campaign to have the screening age reduced from 25 to 20 to Downing Street on March 18.

“If I hadn't had symptoms I would most certainly be dead,” said Tessa.

A Wimbledon woman, who did not wish to be named, believes not only in reducing the minimum screening age, but also considers better education is the key to combating the horrendous disease.

She said: "Girls are having sex younger. We need to have cervical cancer awareness as part of sex education and they need to learn to talk about their bodies and women's health.”

Women often don’t realise they have the symptoms of cervical cancer. In Tessa's case, it was months before she realised something was wrong.

Once admitted into hospital, the 24-year-old was told her extremely rare and aggressive strain of cancer required an urgent hysterectomy.

She said: “I was told that they were no longer trying to save my fertility, but my life.”

The amazing strength and endurance of both young women is remarkable. The role of Jo's Trust is not only to campaign for the better handling of cervical cancer, but also to offer a life-line of support for sufferers and their families.

Tessa added: "Yes, I want to raise awareness, but I also want to show people that if you have to go through it, you can. You can survive."

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are entitled to free screening. Find out more by visiting cancerscreening.nhs.uk or jotrust.co.uk

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)