Woman urges others not to delay smear tests as screening saved her life

Health & Fitness
19 Jan 2026 • 3:33 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Gayle Maxwell, a grandmother, is urging others not to delay smear tests after one saved her life from aggressive cervical cancer.
  • She was diagnosed with fast-growing cancer in February 2015, shortly after having a smear test she had initially postponed.
  • Maxwell underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and internal radiotherapy, receiving the all-clear in October 2015.
  • She highlights that early detection through the two-minute test allowed for successful treatment, preventing the cancer from becoming inoperable.
  • Maxwell, now 50, is supporting the Scottish Government’s Be The Early Bird campaign, encouraging eligible individuals to attend regular cervical screening.

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