Most women will have “normal” results from the screening, while around one in 20 will be told they have “abnormal changes” in the cells of their cervix.

When asked if we should worry about “abnormal changes”, Dr Vanessa Mackay, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), previously told Stylist: “An abnormal test result does not mean a woman has or will get cancer, it just means some of the cells are abnormal.

“The cells may go back to normal on their own, however, in some cases the abnormal cells need to be removed so they don’t become cancerous.”

To help prevent an abnormal smear test result, the NHS recommends that you book your appointment for the middle of your menstrual cycle, around 14 days after the start of your last period, to get the best sample of cells possible.

It also recommends that you should avoid using barrier methods of contraception (such as a condom or diaphragm) or spermicide or lubricant jelly, in the 24 hours before you take the test.

Scarlett Moffatt’s abnormal smear results underline how vital it is we all get tested