New figures reveal that one in ten women have delayed getting a smear test because of concerns about going to the doctor during the Covid pandemic.

As part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, one woman who, after being diagnosed herself, is urging others to attend their appointments.

It was after a standard smear test that Elizabeth Ham, 34, found out she had cervical cancer. Despite not having any symptoms, she was diagnosed in November. She says it was thanks to that routine appointment that doctors caught it early.

“The smear test I’ve had saved my life because I’ve got zero symptoms and I’ve got stage B1 cervical cancer.

“It’s quite scary how undetected it can go. I could have been stage four, say when the symptoms started and at that point it is untreatable. Hopefully, with my treatment, I shall live a long and happy life with my daughter.”

It’s estimated 350,000 women in the UK have not attended their smear-tests for fear of catching Covid. And it’s not the only reason why some patients are putting it off.

Some women say they are embarrassed about appearance or hygiene – and victims of sexual assault may find the procedure difficult.

“I can’t understand why people don’t go for them, personally. I know it’s a horrible experience but it’s two minutes, whereas, I’ve got a lifechanging future ahead of me now.”

The pandemic also adds another layer of difficulty when it comes to cancer treatment. Loved ones are often unable to accompany patients to hospital appointments.

Elizabeth says on one occasion when her husband was able to be with her, she faced some difficult questions.

“I felt like it was frowned upon. Like every time someone saw me with him they would ask are you here for a 12-week [pregnancy] scan because that is the only reason why partners are meant to be there.

“‘I was like no, but I’ve been told because its cancer and they were like okay. But then three separate people asked me that. Especially, when you are having a hysterectomy to remove any chance of having future children.

“It’s not what you want to hear. ‘Are you here for a 12-week scan?’ No, I’m here to get it removed.”

Calls are now growing for the roll out of home screening kits – which are being piloted in some parts of the UK as a way of allowing women to do the test in the privacy of their own home.

But for now, the message from medical professionals is, if you’re invited to have a smear test, don’t put it off – it could save your life.