Former Coronation Street and current Our Girl actress Michelle Keegan is calling on women to attend their cervical cancer screening tests in a candid video detailing her own experience.
In an Instagram post over the weekend, Michelle told her followers that she'd been putting off the check-up for months before she eventually booked the appointment and is encouraging others who may have been putting it off to do the same.
"I've had numerous letters come through my front door that I've pushed aside," she captioned the post. "I've also ignored my mum's tiresome pleas telling me to book an appointment with my local GP."
She continued to list the excuses she'd used in the past, writing: "1) I used the excuse of being 'too busy' with work and life in general 2) let's face its it's bloody embarrassing to drop your knickers and open your legs in front of a total stranger
"3) I was apprehensive thinking about the pain I was going to endure!"
But, after attending the check, Michelle wanted to reassure other women that it's not painful, and that it saves lives.
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"My doctor was so lovely, I hopped onto the bed and it was over in less than 2 MINUTES!!!" she continued. "It was a tad uncomfortable but no means painful."
That's something she stressed in the video clip as well, telling her followers: "I was in the room for five minutes, on the bed for two, it was really quick. It was not painful at all just a little uncomfortable.
"I know it can be daunting going for a smear, but these doctors and nurses do it every single day."
Related: Coronation Street confirms the outcome of Sinead Tinker's cancer tests
And if you weren't convinced by Michelle's honest approach already, she also reminded people how important it is to get regular screenings for cervical cancer, especially now that the number of women going for these tests have dropped to an all-time low.
"Cervical Cancer is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35, with some having no symptoms whatsoever. 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by having regular cervical screening," she wrote.
"Let me break this down for you… SMEAR TESTS SAVES LIVES. My advice to you... STOP making excuses, book, and go for your bloody smear! A smear tests last 5 minutes the impact of cervical cancer lasts a life time!"
You can find more information about cervical screenings on the NHS website.
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