Thousands of people went online to watch the first ever live-streamed smear test today.
Anna Cribb, 40, went through the cervical screening procedure live on the ChannelMum.com Facebook page, with the video currently up to 11,000 views.
‘Hey Mummy’ vlogger, Anna, from Hampshire, volunteered for the live test having had her own scare and treatment to remove pre-cancerous cells after a routine smear test in the past.
She said: “Having had abnormal smear test results when I was younger that resulted in laser treatment and a colposcopy I might not be here today to make this live video if I hadn’t gone for my routine cervical screening.
“If I could encourage one person to go to their appointment by proving today that the test is not awful then this has been worth it.
“I want to remove the stigma and fear that so many women have of these tests. Having your smear may save your life.”
The test comes just days after the eight-year anniversary of the death of reality TV star Jade Goody, who died from cervical cancer at the age of 27 in 2009.
Latest figures show that one in every four women invited for a cervical screening in England last year failed to attend – meaning that out of around 4.2 million women invited just over three million booked a test.
According to NHS Digital, it is the second consecutive year that screening rates have fallen, with attendance rates in Wales and Scotland also going down.
The cervical screening test lasts around five minutes and checks for any abnormal cells on the cervix which may develop into cancer.
Channel Mum screened the live cervical screening, performed by consultant gynaecologist Tyrone Carpenter, as part of its ‘Women Behind the Mum’ week.
Tomorrow it will also be live-streaming advice from Coppafeel on how to check your breasts for lumps.
Cathy Ranson, editor of ChannelMum.com, said: “A quarter of young women don’t attend their smear tests – and that’s costing lives.
“There is a real fear the procedure is painful and embarrassing, but that isn’t the case.
“As the video shows, it’s over in a couple of minutes and while it may be mildly uncomfortable, this is a small price to pay to save a life.
“We hope women of all ages are reassured by how quick and easy it is. So please, book your appointment today and stay safe.”
