The “Jade Goody” effect resulted in a 15 per cent increase in the number of new cervical cancer diagnoses in the UK in 2009, it is revealed today (Friday).
Figures released by Cancer Research UK show that there were about 3,400 new cases diagnosed in 2009, compared with about 3,000 the previous year – an increase of almost 15 per cent.
The dramatic increase has been attributed to the fact that more women attended a cervical screening following the diagnosis of former Big Brother contestant Jade Goody in August 2008.
Experts at Cancer Research UK say that this dramatic rise could be driven by more women attending cervical screening or visiting their doctor following the diagnosis of Jade Goody in August 2008.
The number of cervical cancer cases rose by more than 20 per cent among women aged 25-29 and also those aged 30-34.
Professor Peter Sasieni, Cancer Research UK’s cervical cancer expert from Queen Mary, University of London, said: “We closely monitor cervical cancer rates and noticed that rates in young women rose sharply in 2009. We believe that the timing of these diagnoses means that the rise in cervical cancer rates can be attributed to the increased cervical screening activity resulting from the media coverage of Jade Goody’s cancer.”
Mother-of-three Hayley Sneath, aged 30, from Basildon, was prompted to see her doctor for a smear test following the publicity surrounding Jade Goody’s illness and was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2009.
“I kept putting off having my smear test but when I heard about Jade Goody, I finally went,” she said.
“When I got the letter telling me I had cancer, I had to face my worst-ever fear. I thought I would die and my children would have to grow up without me. My operation took place on the day of Jade’s funeral and all I could think of was that I would be joining her very soon.
But, thankfully, because I went for my smear test, my cancer was picked up early and I was able to have it treated successfully.”
Professor Sasieni added: “We believe that the increased numbers diagnosed in 2009 will have meant that fewer women will have developed advanced cervical cancer and many women owe their life, or at least their ability to have children, to Jade Goody.
“If Jade Goody is to have a lasting legacy we must increase our efforts to maintain a high level of public awareness of the disease and the benefits of screening to ensure that as many lives as possible can be saved through HPV vaccination and cervical screening.”
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