Thank you Milady, yes you're right, it is so important that we ladies get over our embarrasment and have this test done. Please also 'bump' this post to keep it on the front page.

Anonymous - Posted: 2/15/2009 3:35:46 AMComment ID: 47271- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

I quite agree, and with good reason. When I was 24 I went for a smear and was found to have pre-cancerous cells on my cervix. After biopsies and then laser treatment I was cured. If I hadnt gone for that smear, then I could be dead now and not have seen my daughter grow up. Its so worth the minor inconvience and slight embarassment.

I feel awful for Jade. The poor, poor girl.

Anonymous - Posted: 2/15/2009 5:27:21 PMComment ID: 47291- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

This is so important - your life for a few minutes of embarrasment. No contest.

loobie - (Add As Friend) - Posted: 2/15/2009 5:40:42 PMComment ID: 47292- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

I think this is an important issue that needs to bumped to the main page. Please click on the number in the right corner of the problem!!!!!

student101 - (Add As Friend) - Posted: 2/16/2009 12:54:46 AMComment ID: 47314- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

Many people don't realise that this is Britain's silent killer - get your smear tests booked in and save your life - Jade would want you to!

Anonymous - Posted: 2/16/2009 10:01:52 AMComment ID: 47353- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

I see that Jade Goody is planning a fairytale wedding and has received a wedding gown from Mr Al Fayad with his compliments. Hopefull this brave lady can now enjoy the precious time she has left with her children.

Frances - (Add As Friend) - Posted: 2/16/2009 10:03:02 AMComment ID: 47354- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

its so sad the poor girl god knows what shes going through i like her and i really do feel for her and her family theres a support group on faceboook

marie24 - (Add As Friend) - Posted: 2/16/2009 12:04:38 PMComment ID: 47366- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

Absolutely get a smear - it is a piece of cake really - especially if you go to a family planning clinic as they are so experienced at doing them you might not even know you've had it done! It is a total lifesaver and every woman should have one every three years. It prevents cancer from starting as it detects pre-cancerous cells. And the reason prevention is so important is that cervical cancer is a fast killer - and it is a really horrible way to die. If anyone feels nervous about having the discomfort, or fears the results - just put it in perspective by thinking about how it can keep you alive and prevent a painful awful early death. I hope Jade Goody gets excellent pain relief, nursing and medical care. I was shocked to hear about her diagnosis, just as many people were. It reminds us that this cancer is still a killer and it can happen to any woman. Just to alleviate fears on the procedures of cervical smears - it sounds worse than it is. A speculum (a kind of tube) is used to gently open the Vagina, so that a small wooden spatula (like a lolly stick) can be inserted to take a sample of cells from the cervix - and you do not feel this - the cervix does not have sensation as such - so you don't feel the sample being 'smeared' off. Most of the fear is in the mind - embarrassment, not being able to see or imagine what is being done, the sensation of 'cold' from the speculum is just that - a bit cold. So get in the right state of mind and remember - it's a lot less stressful and unpleasant than going to the hairdressers! And your hair still looks good afterwards. It's just an MOT - but a vital and life-saving one.

Eleanor - (Add As Friend) - Posted: 2/17/2009 10:19:01 AMComment ID: 47393- Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment