Sky Sports presenter Jo Wilson has revealed she has been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer as she urges women to get their smear tests.
The Scottish broadcaster, 37, told OK! magazine she received the diagnosis this summer and is undergoing life-saving radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Jo said she was speaking out during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month to encourage more women to go for smear tests.
Speaking to OK!, she said: “The last person in the public eye with cervical cancer was Jade Goody. After Jade’s death, more women went for smear tests, but now one in three who are eligible don’t go.
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“I really want to change that. If I can save just one other life by being open about my battle then it’s worth speaking out.”
Jo revealed she went for a smear test in June and after further tests was told she had stage 3b cervical cancer, with the disease having spread to two of her lymph nodes. She said she previously kept up to date with her smear tests, but a traumatic forceps delivery with her daughter Mabel in September 2020 - from which they both caught sepsis - put her off returning.
The presenter, who has been a host of Sky Sports News since 2015, recalled how the doctor has confirmed her cancer is “very treatable” and “very curable” which is something she tries to “hold on to.” She admitted the “lack of control can be quite difficult” as the treatment will either work or it might not but she has said she is “trying to live in the present and get through this”.
Jo added: “It’s terrifying to think I could have put it off even longer. Cervical cancer can be quite slow growing but it’s different for everybody.
“I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I am right now.”
According to the NHS, symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to your vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
If you experience any of these symptoms the NHS advice is to see your GP.
Macmillan can also offer support if you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer. You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 or visit their site for more information.
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