NHS Sheffield saw an increase in one particular week after former Big Brother housemate Jade Goody had announced her cancer – from 250 to 750 women getting screened.
Although this is anecdotal evidence it still shows a positive impact suggesting that more women have been screened since Jade Goody’s diagnosis was highlighted in the media.
Jade’s situation has shocked the whole country and increased awareness of cervical cancer and its symptoms. The 27-year-old was originally diagnosed in August and has now been given just weeks to live.
The new HPV vaccine is now been offered routinely to girls aged between 12-13 years in an attempt to stamp out the disease.
Frances Cunning, Consultant in Public health at NHS Sheffield said; “HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is known to be a major factor in cervical cancer so if we can eradicate the virus we can stop the cancer growing in the first place.”
“However the vaccination is not a cure, girls who have received a vaccine will still need to have regular smear tests in the future in the same way that women do now.”
Cancer Research UK website has seen a large rise in the number of pages viewed daily in the cervical cancer section. Before Jade was diagnosed it was 2,000-3,000 views daily and as risen to now over 32,000.
Louise Jade Gill, The Steel Bugle.
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