TV personality and mum-of-four Danielle Lloyd is encouraging more women to attend their cervical screening tests when invited. Cervical screening can help stop cervical cancer before it starts by identifying potentially harmful cells before they become cancerous.

Unfortunately, 2,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year, and around 690 women die from the disease. However, attendance is at a 20-year low, with 1 in 4 women in the UK not attending their cervical screening. It is estimated that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented, so as Danielle points out, it's really important to attend your screening.

Speaking exclusively to Closer, Danielle shared her experience of cervical screening, and NHS Obstetrics & Gynaecology Doctor Anita Mitra aka ‘The Gynae Geek' and author of Your No-Nonsense Guide To ‘Down There’ Healthcare also shared some great advice on the topic...

What Was Your Last Cervical Screening Like?

"When my cervical screening letter came through a few weeks ago, I booked myself straight in for an appointment. I didn’t even hesitate. When I went for my last one, I even took my youngest, Ronnie, with me - I had no choice and I wasn’t going to cancel the appointment because I know how important it is. He sat in the pram while I had test done, while I laid on the bed next to the pram. I held Ronnie's hand while the nurse did the test. It wasn't time-consuming at all," said Danielle.

Why Did You Want To Attend Your Cervical Screening?

Danielle told us, "My health is important to me, I’ve had benign lumps in my breasts before, luckily everything was okay, but that experience made me value my health and want to go for health checks when I'm invited. Going for cervical screening is so important. As a mum-of-four, I know too well how difficult it can be to look after yourself when you’re juggling a busy household, but it’s so important to attend every screening you’re invited to, no matter how hectic life is."

All women and people with a cervix are invited for cervical screening between the ages of 25 and 64, women aged 25-49 will be invited every 3 years and 50-64 every 5 years. If you missed your last test, you can make an appointment with your GP practice.

Even if you feel and look healthy, you should still go. Dr Anita Mitra clarifies that "the whole point of cervical screening is to detect changes in the cervix before they potentially develop into cancer. So don’t just assume because you are healthy or have no symptoms, you don’t need to attend, it’s still important to go when invited."

However, if you do experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after sex, book an appointment with your GP and don’t wait for the screening letter.

What Would You Say To Women Who May Be Nervous About Their Test?

Danielle said "cervical screening can be daunting if it’s your first one, but the nurses are always so friendly, and remember, they’ve seen it all before. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. If you’re worried, I'd recommend you bring someone you trust with you to help you relax."

Also, if you feel a bit anxious waiting for the test results – don’t be. Dr Anita, explains: “It is natural to feel nervous awaiting the results of your screening but don’t let the fear of finding out stop you from attending. You should receive your results within a few weeks and the vast majority of women will receive a normal result."

Even if you get an abnormal result this does not mean you have got cancer. Dr Anita clarified that "an abnormal screening result means changes in the cells have been detected. These changes could potentially develop into cancer in time. However, if they are detected in time, they can be examined more closely, and if required, treated, to stop cancer before it starts."

Do You Talk To Your Friends About Cervical Screening?

Danielle admitted that "my girlfriends and I are so open, we talk about our health and we all encourage each other to have our checks and make sure we never ignore our screening invitations. I think it's better being safe than sorry."

Cervical Screening Saves Lives. Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite and encourage the people that you love to get screened if they are overdue a test. Search ‘NHS cervical screening' or click here for more information. #CervicalScreeningSavesLives

A new Life Saving Wax initiative, in partnership with Treatwell, has been launched in beauty salons, across the country. Beauticians are being trained to open up the conversation on cervical screening and encourage women to look after themselves on the inside just as they do on the outside.