* YOU BEEN SNAP * KINA DADA/MAMA HABARI MUHIM SANA HII... KAPIMENI KILA MWAKA" HUU NI UGONJWA USOKUWA NA HURUMA WALA MASUBIRIO" SO KAPIME KESHO "KAMA BADO HUJAPIMA"Women stop going for smear tests as the Jade Goody effect wears off"

*MKILETEWA HAPA NA FLORA LYIMO DESIGNER* 

          Last year only two-thirds of 25-29-year-olds had tests

Fewer women are going for cervical cancer tests because they are too busy or embarrassed, according to research.

The surge in those having smear tests following Jade Goody’s death from the disease appears to have waned.

Figures show that only 78.9 per cent of women are being tested – down from 82 per cent ten years ago. The Government’s target is 80 per cent.

Brave: Reality TV star Jade Goody's life was cut short by cervical cancer" R I P .AMEN"

Miss Goody, who made her name on the reality TV show Big Brother, died from cervical cancer in March 2009, aged 27.

She had ignored a letter from her doctor following a smear test, warning her abnormal cells had been found in her cervix.

Her high-profile battle with the disease initially encouraged women to go for a test.

But last year only two-thirds of women aged 25-29 turned up for tests – down from three-quarters in 2001.
Uptake also fell among 50 to 64-year-olds with 78.9 per cent attending last year, compared to 81 per cent in 2002.

Cut short: Miss Goody at the height of her celebrity. She died at 27, after ignoring a warning letter about a test"

Researchers from University College, London, say many younger women feel they can’t take time off work to go for tests.

Some say they can’t get an appointment at the right time in their menstrual cycle – smears must be done two weeks after their period.

Those in their 50s often feel embarrassed about doctors examining them, especially if they have put on weight.

They also feel they are out of danger – the cancer is more common in women in their 20s and 30s.

Researchers interviewed 50 women who had never been for a smear or did not go often, and 12 doctors.

Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in their 20s. There are 1,000 deaths a year.

Since the 1980s women aged 25 to 49 have been invited for cervical screenings every three years and those aged 50 to 64 every five years.

Dr Jo Waller, of UCL, said: ‘Addressing practical issues such as appointment systems and clinic times might boost attendance in young women.’

Sara Hiom, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Despite a surge in the number of women having a smear test immediately after the death of Jade Goody, we know a large number of women are not going.
'Older women might find it embarrassing, but it can save their lives.’