Katie McGlynn has urged women to still go for their smear tests during the coronavirus pandemic, because it could save their life.
Katie McGlynn
The former 'Coronation Street' star left the soap in October 2019 when her character Sinead Osbourne died of cervical cancer, and the 27-year-old actress is "so glad" the soap covered the hard-hitting plot because it raised awareness of the need for smear tests.
She said: "I am so glad that we did it because I still get messages now from women that put off the smear test, they eventually went and they found cancerous cells … it can save your life by going for a smear so it is so important.
"At the time we got a lot of messages from nurses saying that the uptake on screenings has massively risen, but because we are in a pandemic, we still need to get that message out there.
"I sound like a broken record to my family and friends and on social media, but ladies, please go for the smear because it can save your life."
Katie filmed herself going to the doctor to have her smear test for 'Lorraine' viewers, and she later appeared on the show to reassure women the procedure isn't painful and there is no need to be embarrassed.
Speaking on the programme, she said: "I think a lot of women generally do get embarrassed … and I understand that but it is so quick that there is just no need to worry.
"Even in the pandemic, if anything, I personally found it a little bit better because everybody had the mask on, there were measures in place, it felt more protected in a way.
"I would strongly urge anyone who isn’t at high risk, who is able to go for the smear test, if they have the invitation, they should definitely go.
"The embarrassment side really shouldn’t take over … the doctors see it day in day out … they are really not looking at the aesthetics, it’s a very clinical operation that is done in like two minutes. It’s not painful, it’s a little bit uncomfortable but it’s fine.
"Ladies, if any of you have had your cervical screening invitation, please make sure you go. It is so important. It could save your life.
"If I can do it, whilst filming it all, then I think you can too."