Eastenders character Tanya Jessop to face cervical cancer diagnosis
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is very pleased that popular soap opera EastEnders is to run a cervical cancer storyline. One of its leading characters (Tanya Jessop) has her world turned upside down when she receives the news that she has cervical cancer after receiving her results from routine cervical screening test.
Robert Music, Director of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said “It is fantastic that EastEnders has decided to highlight the issue of cervical cancer. This is a disease that affects thousands of women and their loved ones in the UK every year and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is there to offer vital support to the all those affected, including loved ones.”
“EastEnders worked closely with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to accurately reflect and highlight the issue and have gone to great lengths to research this story with us and we hope that by showing this storyline to its millions of viewers it will not only raise awareness of cervical cancer but also help the public to be more informed about this issue.”
Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer adds “During the summer, EastEnders viewers will see Tanya receive the devastating news that she has cervical cancer. EastEnders has worked closely with experts in the field to ensure we accurately portray this sensitive issue. Viewers will see how Tanya, a mother of three, will use her inner determination to deal with what will be one of the toughest challenges of her life.”
Robert Music added “If diagnosed early survival rates for cervical cancer are high, and cervical screening plays a key role in both early diagnosis and from preventing it happening in the first place through detecting pre-cancerous cells. But we need to make more women aware that they can take proactive steps to reduce their risk by attending screening when invited and EastEnders covering this story will have a very positive influence.”
Ends 26th June 201
Notes for Editors
1. Tanya Jessop’s cervical cancer storyline will appear on screen in August 2011.
2. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – www.jostrust.org.uk - is the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity offering support and information for those affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.
3. Around three women in the UK die each day from cervical cancer, with someone being diagnosed every three hours, facing an uncertain future. Over 300,000 women a year are told they may have a cervical abnormality that could require treatment.
4. Survival rates for cervical cancer are high if diagnosed early
5. It is estimated that the UK Cervical Screening Programmes save 5,000 lives every year and if HPV vaccination take up continues to reach at least 80% it is believed this could result in a 2/3rds reduction in incidence in women under 30 by 2025.
6. The charity’s national helpline is on 0808 802 8000. It can be called by anyone within the UK and offers reliable information, support and signposting on a wide range of topics, including initial screening concerns and screening results, treatment, recovery and palliative care.
Last updated: 26/06/2011
