Love Island star Shaughna Phillips has urged others to book their smear tests after getting her results back. Shaughna admitted she's 'scared' after testing positive for HPV (human papillomavirus) which can cause changes to the cells of the cervix.
According to the NHS HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer.
Shaughna took to social media to beg others to have the screening after getting her results back on Saturday (May 28). "Had my results back yesterday, I tested positive for HPV and have had borderline changes to some cells that require further examination," she said.
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And Shaughna added: "I’m scared but that’s okay. Thank god for screening. Ladies, book your smears." She shared a previous tweet from when she went in for her test on May 9 reminding her followers to book.
"In episode 1826203719 of me oversharing my life, I’m having my smear test this morning and this is your reminder to make sure you have yours," she wrote. And she received an outpouring of support with one follower @k8y89 saying: "Oh Shaughna I hope you're okay. You've reminded me I've had my letter and I need to book mine xx"
The NHS explains that cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of the cervix, the opening to the womb. The smear is not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer and all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells are taken from your cervix. The sample is checked for certain types of HPV that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix.
Explaining further on her Instagram she wrote: "Yesterday I received my results and have had changes to some of the cells called 'borderline changes' that require further examination. I also tested HPV positive. Of coursde I was absolutely terrified initially and although everyone I've spoke to has reassured me how common this us, it is still scary."
Shaughna continued: "There's a certain language used that I didnd't realise I still have a real hard time hearing. Biopsy, any word ending with 'oscopy' and of course 'cancer' are all associated with extreme trauma or me so reading them in a letter addressed to me really, really knocked me."
But Shaughna said following other women on social media who have spoken about their smear results has has helped her. "So I thought I would share this update in the hope that there's someone out there who might feel less alone and less afraid," she said.
And she added with a love heart: "Will keep you all updated." Shaughna won hearts on the winter series of Love Island in January 2020. The reality star was a democratic services officer for Lambeth Council before entering the TV villa in Cape Town on the popular reality series which returns for a summer series on Monday June 6.
