Glasgow woman tells of struggles after missing smear test

Like millions of others, she was charmed by the funny and outrageous antics of fan favourite Jade Goody.

So, when the young star tragically lost her life to cervical cancer at just 27 years old Lauren, and fans across the country, were devastated by her death.

However, the now 38-year-old had another reason to worry because just like Jade, Lauren had been putting off her smear test.

Despite the reality star’s death, Lauren waited another four years to attend the appointment out of sheer embarrassment.

Lauren Bennie

READ MORE: Glasgow Times launches new smear test campaign

Lauren, who lives in Dennistoun, told the Glasgow Times: “I delayed mine for a myriad of reasons. I can look at it now as a more rational thought process but I was embarrassed at what the nurse might say about why I delayed.

“I had delayed for the entirety of my 20s almost and I was thinking ‘what would she say’ – which was nothing, by the way – or is she would find something or if I was wearing the right clothes or if it was worth the time off work.

“About 8 years after I was first called, I was in a much better headspace, and I thought ‘I have no symptoms but it’s time to go’.”

When Lauren finally did attend, she was soon faced with the news an abnormality had been detected.

Lauren, who works for a charity, received a letter detailing her need for a follow-up examination combined with a plethora of information that was completely foreign to her.

She, like many others, had no idea what to expect nor what was happening to her body or what tests would be carried out.

At this point, she turned to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, a leading charity, for advice.

Lauren said: “I was totally worried and confused at what it all meant but I was so glad I went.

“I had a piece of cervix removed to take away pre-cancerous cells and they said if I had waited even a wee bit longer, it could’ve been a very different story.”

Lauren was told she had to be closely monitored with a smear test every six months.

Unfortunately, more abnormalities were detected and Lauren had to have more procedures over the course of around five years.

“It’s amazing because it’s always been caught and I’ve never had cancer,” said Lauren.

“I really genuinely mean it when I say a smear test saved my life.”

However, the process has taken its toll on Lauren who says she now lives “with the consequences” of her embarrassment which caused her to delay the smear.

She said: “When I got the result letter, I was so angry about my embarrassment and then embarrassed that I had almost done this to myself by delaying it.

“It’s so important – it could really save our lives.”

Lauren has been volunteering to raise awareness since 2016 and has urged all women not to fear the smear.

Research shows embarrassment is the number one reason women and people with cervixes skip the exam and it's time for that to come to end.

Iona Stoddart

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Iona Stoddart, head of Scotland for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "Cervical screening is one of the best ways of helping prevent cervical cancer but over one in three women and people with a cervix do not take up their invite in Glasgow.

“At Jo’s, our vision is a future where cervical cancer is a thing of the past, and increasing uptake in screening is a big part of that.

“We’ve been working in communities in the west of Scotland to understand the barriers to cervical screening since 2019. Raising awareness is key to our work, so we are delighted to be working with Glasgow Times on this campaign."

Cases like Lauren’s are not unique but, both healthcare experts and campaigners alike are adamant the only way to improve the outcome of cervical cancer is to attend the smear test.

Stacey Mullen, editor of the Glasgow Times, said: “It is a privilege to be the first female editor of the Glasgow Times and it is an honour which comes with huge responsibility.

“I’m delighted to launch this campaign to help in the fight of a cruel disease which could be eradicated if we all worked together.

“It struck a chord with me recently how delighted the nurse was that I showed up for my smear test. She couldn’t believe it and thanked me for overcoming my fear.

“It’s not nice, it can be uncomfortable but when we have access to this important screening we should grab it with both hands.

“Our newsroom is made of mostly female staff.

“Women who are bright, full of life and have a wonderful future ahead of them.

“I’m sure you all know women who are similar and it’s important that we safeguard that future in any way we can.

“Don’t fear the smear.”

For support with cervical screenings, visit Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.