Binky Felstead ‘forever grateful’ to smear test for preventing future fertility issues
Binky Felstead has shared her gratitude to "that one" smear test from over a decade ago that detected abnormal cells in her cervix, which could have prevented her from having children in the future.
To mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the Made in Chelsea star opened up about her hesitation to book a smear test when she was 25, even though she was suffering with a "sore tummy".
The NHS invites people with a cervix to attend their first cervical cancer screening test, known as the smear test, when they turn 25, to check the cervix for any sign of abnormal cells that could develop into cancer.
When Felstead had the test, she discovered that she had "severely abnormal cells" that could affect her chances of having children.
In the candid video on Instagram, the 34-year-old stands baking in the kitchen with her three children, as the text over the video reads: "POV: you’re reminded everyday how important that one smear test was."
Felstead goes onto explain in the caption that she only booked the appointment after encouragement from her mother, as she now urges people to not "put off" their smear test as it could "save your life."
She penned: "Nine years ago when I was 25, Mummy Felstead gave me the push I needed to book a smear test after I kept complaining of a sore tummy. Thank goodness she did, because my results showed I had severely abnormal cells (CIN 3).
"I was told if I didn’t have them removed, it could affect my chances of having children, so that’s what I did whilst she held my hand. I’m forever grateful for that one test because I now have my three beautiful babies."
"It’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and this is your reminder: Book your smear test. Don’t put it off. It could save your life."
In the past, Felstead has spoken about how "scared" she was to have part of her cervix removed after the diagnosis of pre-cancerous cells, as she was told it could have affect her ability to carry children.
"I had part of my cervix removed and was told it could be harder to keep hold of a baby long term. I was so upset and scared," she told Women’s Health.
One in three women have skipped a cervical screening, according to research by the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal, even though the cancer is the 19th most common cause of death in women.
Most of these women cited feeling nervous, embarrassed and scared about their smear test, which is why they didn’t attend.
Felstead felt a similar way prior to her first screening, she added to the outlet: "It’s a scary thing to do as you don’t know whether you look the same as everyone else down there, its intimidating."
"I’ve spoken to friends who don’t even know what a smear test is and haven’t had one. I want people to know what it is and that it's so important to get it done."
An estimated nine people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each day in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK, so it's important to attend your smear test and be vigilant if something doesn't feel right.
Read more about smear tests:
9 simple ways to make your smear tests more comfortable (Women's Health, 4-min read)
Cervical Screening knowledge gap 'costing lives' (BBC, 4-min read)
Cervical screening shortcomings are unacceptable, says health minister (Belfast Live, 2-min read)
