Chloe Delevingne – sister to Cara and Poppy – appeared on the Victoria Derbyshire Show this morning to have a smear in order to show just how quick and easy it really is.
Cara's big sister, 33, wants to encourage other women to go for the test after having a cancer scare herself.
Abnormal cells were found during a previous smear – which can lead to the development of cervical cancer.
"Many years ago I had some abnormal cells found during a smear test," Chloe explained.
"I had some abnormal symptoms which I went to see my GP about and they asked me to have a smear. At the time I was really scared and didn't know what was going to happen.
"I think that it's important to show people that it's not something that you have to be scared about – it doesn't really hurt."
Her stunt comes as the number of women having cervical screening tests plummets to the lowest number for two decades.
Women aged 25-49 are supposed to go for a screening every three years.
For those aged between 50-64, that goes up to every five years.
But the number of women being tested is at a massive low across the age groups – with only half of women under 50 in some parts of the UK going.
That's why we've launched the #CheersForSmears campaign, to help women understand that they're putting themselves at massive risk of developing cervical cancer.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust suggests that many younger women are putting off having the test out of embarrassment or fear of pain.
But the fact is, smears don't really hurt and the people carrying them out have seen it all before.
Worried that your vagina isn't normal? Every vagina is different and therefore, normal.
And Dr Philippa Kay, GP and expert of cervical screening, told the show that there are ways to ensure the test doesn't hurt at all.
"I tell people to pop their hands by their sides and try to think about keeping their bottom down and breathing.
"When you tense against the speculum, that's when it can hurt. Think about bottom down on the bed."
After the speculum is inserted, some women may feel a stretching sensation.
Chloe said: "It doesn't hurt, it just feels weird – it's an odd feeling."
The whole thing was over in a matter of seconds.
Chloe said that it was the waiting that was the worst thing, rather than the actual procedure.
Dr Kay went on to show how there are a number of other positions that smear tests can be taken from, if the standard position doesn't feel comfy. All you have to do is tell your doctor that you want to try another.
Today, doctors only use plastic speculums – not metal ones – so the cold aspect has gone.
Dr Kay said that if it does feel uncomfortable, all you have to do is tell your doctor who can try another size.
"This is your test and we appreciate that for some women, it's difficult – so please do ask us for help," she said.
Chloe was asked to bring her knees up and bring her feet together to create a diamond shape with her legs. Her vagina – as in a GP surgery – was covered with a blanket.
For some people, Dr Kay said, it might take a little longer due to getting into a comfortable position and asking questions.
So if you are nervous or worried, do voice your concerns.
And whatever you do, go for the test!
Source: Read Full Article
