A WOMAN is urging females to put their health first after tests discovered she had cancer.

Sue Oliver, 47, told the Leader she and her partner, Sarah Way, put off their smear tests due to a busy lifestyle and she did not realise the importance until results detected abnormal cells.

A smear test is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix and women aged 25 and over are required to have tests every few years.

She said: "We put it off because we have a really busy lifestyle and because it's something you don't want to do, you put it down on your priority list. I don't know what made me think one day but I knew we had to go an get it done, almost a year late.

"Sarah was fine but I had abnormal cells so they sent me to the Countess for as biopsy which is a bit more intrusive. My consultant and cancer nurse were amazing and I wrote to the hospital to say that.

"It's such a scary time in your life and you need that extra support."

Results of the smear test showed there was abnormal cells in Sue's womb, which were confirmed as cancerous at the biopsy. Within two weeks she was in for a full hysterectomy and shortly after it was confirmed all cancerous cells had been removed and no further treatment was required.

Sue said she was extremely lucky and is urging other females to get their smear tests done as soon as they can, despite any embarrassment they may feel.

The 47-year-old added: "Just get your tests done. It takes one minute of your life, one minute of indignity and it saved my life. What is a minute of indignity to catch something so scary, very early?

"You don't think it's going to happen to you but I feel really positive and thankful for doing it. I think people put it off through embarrassment.

"The equipment is better now than years ago. It's not a nice experience, but it's not as bad as back then. I feel so passionate about it because it happened to me. I had womb cancer which isn't usually spotted via smear but I was lucky.

"There definitely shouldn't be an age limit on the tests and there should be adverts on TV. It's a subject that people don't talk about - we need to change that.

"If anyone is going through something similar to what I went through, don't be afraid to speak out. The support I got from Sarah was incredible. If you've got a loved one, they are really strong for you. The support you get is incredible so don't be afraid to ask for help."

Sue, director at social enterprise RainBow Biz, said she wants to write a comedy sketch about her experience to provide a serious message through entertainment and is asking anyone that wants to get involved to get in touch with her.

More information about Smear tests can be found online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/.