Celebrities urge women to book their smear tests 10 years after Jade Goody’s death

However, ten years on, women going for their regular check-ups – women between the ages of 25 and 49 should go every three years, and women between 50 and 64 should get one every five years – has dropped to a new low.

Cervical smear tests can identify abnormal cells that could potentially develop into cervical cancer, so it’s very important that you keep those appointments in your diaries. Sure, they may seem like they’re going to be painful, or embarrassing, but the slight discomfort is outweighed by the benefits.

And many celebs have joined the cause to encourage anyone with a cervix to look ater themselves.

Rebekah Vardy

Back in November, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Rebekah chose to take a picture from the bed in her doctor’s office as she prepared to have her smear test done.

The 37-year-old took a snap showing her legs beneath a blanket, and wrote: ‘I dread smear tests & I don’t even know why, so I wore my red jungle socks from @imacelebrity to my smear test today to remind me that if I can do a Bushtucker Trial and eat a sheep’s anus to win food, then I can certainly brave a smear test that could potentially be life saving and you can too!

‘More than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, and nearly 900 die annually and yet 1 in 4 women skip cervical screening because of embarrassment. Don’t be a statistic ladies – GO FOR YOUR SMEAR TEST.’

Michelle Keegan

Michelle also chose to pose on the dreaded bed as she filmed the aftermath of her smear test, which she stressed was not painful, just uncomfortable.

The Our Girl actress wrote on Instagram: ‘It’s Time to talk Cervical Screening examinations… AKA the dreaded SMEAR (horrible word) test! I’m going to be honest with you all, I’ve had numerous letters come through my front door that I’ve pushed aside. I’ve also ignored my mums tiresome pleas telling me to book an appointment with my local GP …because 1) I used the excuse of being ‘too busy’ with work and life in general 2) let’s face its it’s bloody embarrassing to drop your knickers and open your legs in front of a total stranger 3) I was apprehensive thinking about the pain I was going to endure!

‘However I finally got my finger out, (pardon the pun) and went to my appointment. My doctor was so lovely, I hopped onto the bed and it was over in less than 2 MINUTES!!! It was a tad uncomfortable but no means painful.’

The 31-year-old continued: ‘After doing some research I found that the number of women who should go for a test has dropped to an all time low in 20 years!!! Cervical Cancer is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35, with some having no symptoms whatsoever. 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by having regular cervical screening, let me break this down for you…SMEAR TESTS SAVES LIVES.

‘My advice to you… STOP making excuses, book, and go for your bloody smear! A smear tests last 5 minutes the impact of cervical cancer lasts a life time! [sic]’

Nadia Sawalha

Loose Women star Nadia decided to film her smear test diary for the folks at ITV, and was commended for dismantling the embarrassment around the check-up.

Nadia was a year late for her check-up after putting it off repeatedly, but joined in on the #FaceYourSmear campaign to encourage other women to book in their screening.

The model, 26, was one of the most high profile kickstarters of the social media campaign, which saw participants take a selfie with smeared lipstick to remind women to get their screenings booked.

Other stars who took part include Rita Ora, Myleene Klass and Vicky Pattison.

Chloe Delevingne

Speaking of the Delevingnes, Lady Garden co-founder Chloe put her money where her mouth is by undertaking a smear test live on TV.

The 33-year-old went on Victoria Derbyshire to have her check-up done, all while being interviewed.

Now that’s mulit tasking.

Chloe said: ‘It is a bit nervewracking, but you just need to relax and talk to the doctor about it. It’s not painful, it’s just weird.’

Alex George

Love Island’s resident doctor has been using social media to encourage safe sex and talking about mental health, and also wants his female friends to book in their smear tests.

The reality star wrote on Instagram: ‘Smear tests can help prevent cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells before they develop further. Over 1 in 4 women don’t go for their screening tests and one of the reasons for the low uptake is thought to be due to concerns about what happens when you attend the appointment. If you’re feeling a little anxious or embarrassed about your smear test and it’s making you feel like you want to skip it, just know that you’re not alone.

‘Most women will have these thoughts about their routine test but it’s honestly not as scary as you might think. The nurses and doctors who perform the tests do hundreds each month so they are very used to it! If you’re thinking of skipping your smear test please talk to your GP about your concerns as smear tests can detect abnormal cells early and removing them can prevent cervical cancer.’