Hollyoaks
This month, the popular Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, features character Steph Cunningham’s diagnosis of cervical cancer. 23 year old Steph, played by Carley Stenson, is the longest running female character in the soap and is diagnosed with the disease after experiencing symptoms. Like many women living with cervical cancer, the diagnosis affects her whole world and that of her family.
In the UK, 3 women a day die from cervical cancer, with someone being diagnosed every 3 hours, facing an uncertain future. Over 300,000 women a year are told they may have a cervical abnormality that could require treatment.
It is rare to be diagnosed with cervical cancer as young as Steph, but not impossible. It is a largely preventable disease and you can do something to protect yourself;
- Lead a healthy lifestyle – keep your immune system as healthy as possible by not smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
- Get vaccinated – Vaccination is available to girls aged 12-18 which protects against two types of the virus that cause 70% of cervical cancers.
- Attend screening - Screening is thought to be saving up to 4,500 lives per year.
- Know the symptoms – if you experience any symptoms, visit your GP immediately.
Last updated: 01/06/2010
