Smear tests are something that you typically shouldn’t have to worry about until you’re 25. However, this isn’t always the case, and even if it is, you should be prepared.

A smear test (or cervical screening) is a test to help prevent cancer. A sample of cells is taken from your cervix and is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated to help prevent cervical cancer.

There’s a video available on the NHS website: What is cervical screening? – NHS

You’re invited for a smear test every 5 years between the ages of 25 and 65, unless you book one yourself, or unless you have HPV. Cervical cancer is rare in people under 25, so screening earlier than this can sometimes lead to unnecessary treatment. This is because abnormal cell changes in younger women often return to normal on their own. This isn’t always the case. While cervical cancer is rare under 25, it can still occur. It can also be difficult to get a screening at a younger age, even when it may be necessary. This is what began Amber’s Legacy.

Amber’s Legacy is a non-profit organisation that educates women and anyone with a cervix about the importance of regular screening, regardless of age, race, gender identity, or religion.

The charity was originally called Amber’s Law, as its goal was to lower the cervical screening age to 18. When this change proved unachievable, the organisation was renamed Amber’s Legacy. It was founded by Darren Cliff after the death of his daughter, Amber Rose Cliff, in 2017. She had spent four years battling cervical cancer, which eventually spread to her lungs and throat.

Amber’s GP denied her a smear test multiple times, mainly because she was only 22. Knowing something was wrong, Amber then went private and was diagnosed with stage 2 cervical cancer. Within her four-year battle, she underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and many surgical operations. Sadly, Amber passed away on January 8th, 2017.

I spoke to Darren Cliff and Kelley Neal from Amber’s Legacy about the effect their charity is having on women across the UK.

“Through raising awareness for Amber, we’ve met so many people who’ve been in a similar position. As a charity, we send people for private smear tests who don’t meet the criteria to have one through the NHS. With a few people who have been suffering, we send them on little breaks, refurbish their gardens, and for them, it’s all about bettering their quality of life. If families travel for operations, we pay for their accommodation. Nobody has ever taken a penny out of our charity; we all work full-time jobs, so we’re funded by donations and fundraising, which we carry out by doing events. Whatever you think we get in, goes out to people who need it and families who need us.”

A smear test can be life or death. An anonymous source added, “It is imperative people go for them [smear tests]. I had 60% of my cervix removed because I had severe dyskaryosis. I lost twins because of it, then went on to have two amazing twins after. I had to have a stitch both times and was told I couldn’t have any more unless I had an internal stitch. This was because I didn’t go for my first smear.”

You really do know your body best. If you believe something isn’t right, there are people out there, like Amber’s Legacy, who can help.

Amber’s Legacy’s next event is being held at Sunderland City Hall for Cervical Cancer Awareness Week from the 14th to the 16th of June. They also have an office where you can pop in to speak to them or call at 01915142497.

To go about getting a private smear test through Amber’s Legacy, you fill in a form, which is then assessed by them, and they will arrange for you to go to a private clinic somewhere in your area. You can get in contact with Amber’s Legacy here.