Goody’s plight is screen reminder

Oldham women are being urged to keep their cervical screening appointments after Jade Goody was diagnosed with cancer.

The reality TV star was forced to fly home from India where she was appearing in a “Big Brother” spin-off show.

Cervical cancer is the most preventable form of the illness and most women have regular smear tests to check for early signs.

But 900 women die from the disease every year — and many will never have had the test.

There is a national screening programme which includes all women aged 25 to 64. Those aged up to 49 are invited every three years and from 50 to 64, every five years.

GP practices are notified of their patients who do not respond to invitations so they can encourage them to attend for screening, especially if they have previously had an abnormal test result.

Alan Higgins, Oldham Primary Care Trust’s director of public health, said: “The majority of women in Oldham invited for this vital screening do attend because they realise how important it can be in catching any early problems — and dealing with them.

“Screening is one of the best defences against cervical cancer and we would urge women to keep their appointments.”