A 53-year-old north woman who survived cervical cancer is calling for more participation in the screening programme for the disease.
Heather Horrocks from Thurso is urging women not to feel embarrassed or scared about getting themselves checked.
Next week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week across the UK, aimed at educating more women about the symptoms and causes of the disease – and the best way to prevent it.
The cervical screening programme, which asks women aged 20-60 to take part every three years, aims to pick up changes in the cervix which warn that the cancer may be developing.
It is estimated to prevent eight out of 10 cancers from occurring, and women with cervical cancer who have been screened regularly are typically detected earlier than those who have not.
Each day in the UK, nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three will lose their lives to it.
Ms Horrocks, who received six chemotherapy sessions in July 2014 but was recently given the all clear, said: “I have no doubt in my mind that the smear test saved my life.
“But the consultant I discussed my smear test results with made it clear that had I waited any longer, it could have been a very different outcome.
“I would encourage all women who are eligible for screening to take part. It’s not something that anyone looks forward to, but it’s not painful and it has the potential to save your life. Don’t die of embarrassment.”
More information about cervical screening is available at www.nhsinform.co.uk/screening/cervical