“Just book your test,” urges the actor on Instagram
After starring in BBC series Our Girl, launching yet another fashion collection with Very and totting up over 3.7million Instagram followers, Michelle Keegan is now using her platform to raise awareness of cervical screening programmes.
The ex-Corrie star posted a candid video to her Instagram account, urging her 3.7million followers to book their smear test. Speaking openly to the camera, the Manunian actress highlighted how quick and painless the procedure was.
“So, smear’s been done,” Michelle explains. “Was in the room for five minutes, on the bed for two. It was really quick, really easy. It wasn’t painful at all, just a bit uncomfortable.”
Michelle admitted that she too had been putting off the smear.
A third of British women put off having their smear test because the procedure is considered uncomfortable, according to a survey from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. The shocking findings fuelled the #SmearForSmear campaign, which saw Instagram users share selfies with smeared lipstick to raise awareness of cervical cancer.
In fact, Michelle admitted that she too had been putting off the smear. Her accompanying Instagram caption revealed her reasons for dismissing her 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!”
But the TV star quickly highlighted that the test is not painful and was over in two minutes.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. Every year in the UK, around 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
“My advice to you... STOP making excuses, book, and go for your bloody smear!” Michelle posted alongside her video. “A smear tests last five minutes the impact of cervical cancer lasts a life time!”
