A DUMBARTON woman diagnosed with cervical cancer after a routine smear test has this week joined a national drive to get women talking about cervical screening.

Lynsey Dickie, 37, has now added her support to the Flower campaign by urging women not to ignore their smear invite.

With six women being diagnosed with cervical cancer every week in Scotland, the campaign challenges the reasons women give for not attending their smear.

Viewers are urged to ‘nip cervical cancer in the bud,’ by not ignoring their next smear invite or contacting their GP practice if they missed their last smear.

The NHS Health Scotland and Scottish Government campaign is targeting those aged 25 to 35 in Scotland, as cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women of this age group.

Statistics highlight between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016, one in three women (33 per cent) aged 25-35 in Scotland didn’t go for their smear when invited.

A smear test can detect cells that could turn into cancer.

The five minute test is the best way to protect women from the disease and helps save around 5,000 lives a year in the UK.

All women in Scotland aged 25 to 49 are offered a smear test every three years while those aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years.

Lynsey is fully backing the campaign in the hope of encouraging other women to go for their smear test.

The mother-of two from Dumbarton was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013 after attending a routine cervical screening appointment.

Lynsey recalled her cancer drama and said: “I started going for smear tests after I had my first child. My results had always come back clear but after a routine smear at the beginning of 2013, I was told that the test had found abnormal cells.

“I was referred for a colposcopy and saw a consultant a couple of weeks later where I was told I had cervical cancer.

“The news was a big shock. I was only 34 and my husband and I were trying for another baby. We had to put our plans on hold so I could have treatment.”

She continued: “Initially we thought that the best option would be to have a hysterectomy however a week later, I had an MRI scan and the surgeon threw me a lifeline – he told me they could operate to remove the section of my cervix where the cancer was and the pelvic lymph nodes as a precaution. There was a risk that I would still need a hysterectomy and possibly chemotherapy if this wasn’t successful but I was willing to try.

“A week after my surgery I got the great news that all of the cancer had been removed and I needed no further treatment. I only had to attend regular check-ups which are now annual.

“We had to wait a year to try to conceive again and then I had to have a cervical stitch put it place during the pregnancy but in May 2015, our second son was born by c-section and we are all happy and healthy.

“Had I not gone for my smear when my letter arrived I could have had a very different outcome. I would encourage all women to attend screening and get checked out.”

Christine Paterson, practice nurse, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “No one looks forward to a smear appointment, but I want to reassure women that we’re trained to make the test go as smoothly as possible.

“I’ve done hundreds of smear tests and afterwards, most women – especially those that it’s their first time - are surprised by how quickly it’s all over.

“Of course, it can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no such thing as a silly question, that’s what we’re here for. So, don’t ignore your next smear invite, and if you missed your last smear test, contact your GP practice to find a time that suits you.”

For more information: visit getcheckedearly.org/cervical-cancer