We can all agree that there’s nothing enjoyable about getting a smear test. But we also know and accept that it’s just something that has to be done to help prevent cervical cancer.

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s an extra layer of fear over attending appointments during lockdown. In fact, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recently found that one in 10 women said they definitely wouldn’t attend a cervical screening now and 22% felt less likely to attend.

It’s worth noting that, although the NHS is currently working through a backlog of appointments, you can still book and attend a smear test.

Maya Jama urges anyone who’s delayed their smear test to stop putting it off