Reality star Courtney Green has been praised for undergoing cervical screening during Sunday night’s episode of The Only Way Is Essex.
Courtney agreed to be filmed having the procedure, previously called a ‘smear test’, to encourage other women to attend appointments when they are invited by the NHS.
The episode saw Courtney discuss the purpose of cervical screening to fellow TOWIE stars Gatsby and Dan, explaining that the procedure helps identify abnormal cells that could later develop into cancer. She then had the test while the cameras were rolling.
“It really wasn’t that bad,” she said on the show afterwards. “I can’t believe I’ve done it.” Related... Six No-Holds-Barred Tips To Make Your First Smear Test Less Awkward To all women please book in your cervical screening it’s so important and it’s really not scary at all it can prevent cervical cancer I can’t stress enough how important and it really isn’t bad !! pic.twitter.com/qfWOaZ1VwY— Courtney Green (@courtneyMgreen) October 20, 2019The episode has been praised by the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, who said Courtney’s efforts could help boost low attendance rates.
“With cervical screening attendance as low as one in two among some age groups, it’s fantastic that Courtney is using her platform to raise awareness of this really important test,” Kate Sanger, the charity’s head of communications and public affairs, told HuffPost UK.
“Through talking openly about what happens during cervical screening and ways to make it easier, she is helping to address questions and concerns women may have and hopefully providing a reminder or encouragement to those who are currently overdue.”
Others on social media also praised the reality star.WELL DONE to #TOWIE for showing Courtney getting her smear test done on the show. It’s really not that scary or painful and takes just a few seconds of time that could potentially save your life. GET YOUR SMEAR TEST DONE GIRLS 🙌🏻— faith ♥ (@faithbxx) October 21, 2019Very proud of my @courtneyMgreen using her platform to make a difference! Girls make sure you go and get a smear test. It can save a life ❤️!— chloé (@ChloeBrockett1) October 20, 2019This is actually incredible. Well done @courtneyMgreen for showing how quick and easy it is. Girls, please go for your smear!! #smeartest#towie#savelives— kayleigh chambers (@kayvchambers) October 20, 2019Of course, while cervical screening is straightforward for many women, others may find attending appointments difficult due to past trauma or medical difficulties – but there is support available.
The charity My Body Back supports women who have experienced sexual assault to access cervical screening, and you can follow @AtYourCervix_x for peer support if you’re finding cervical screening difficult.
You can find more resources and advice from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust or from your GP.READ MORE: Would You Have A Smear Test On Your Lunch Break? The 'Jade Goody Effect' On Smear Tests Could Be Reignited – But Only If We Stop Shaming Women Woman Rewrites Her Cervical Screening Letter, Urges NHS To Change Its Language