GK Barry has urged women not to avoid their smear tests as she opened up about her own test, where doctors found the early signs of human papillomavirus (HPV) and were able to act quickly
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here star GK Barry spoke on Loose Women about the importance of getting a smear test and how the often-avoided test can save your life. The influencer said that thanks to her recent cervical screening test, doctors were able to find early signs of an STI called human papillomavirus (HPV).
The 25-year-old said that doctors found “bad cells” during her screening. GK, whose real name is Grace, then made a return visit for a colposcopy – a procedure to treat abnormal cells. On June 15, the TikTok creator said: “When my smear test came up, I went to go and get it, and thank god I did because, when I went I tested positive for HPV. I just had some bad cells so I had to then go and get a colposcopy… and get it burnt off”.
She explained that she has check ups “so regularly” to “keep an eye on them,” referring to the “bad cells” infected with HPV. The social media influencer spoke further about how she thinks people don’t get smear tests due to embarrassment or out of fear.
Speaking passionately on the topic, Grace said: “My thing is a lot of people my age… they just think it will be alright. They don’t want to know what the answer is. I think it’s so important to get your smear test done because 90% of the time nothing’s wrong”.
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According to Nuffield Health, one in 20 smear test “note abnormal cell changes and most of these changes won’t lead to cervical cancer. But in some cases the abnormal cells will need to be removed so they can’t become cancerous”.
She opened up in her advocacy, adding: “I’m the first one out of a lot of my friends and family to have to go back and get something done like a colposcopy, but I’d rather be told I’ve got something early and be able to live than, because I was too scared of catching something or the answer, catch something late and end up dying”.
Grace’s experience has reached over 2.2 million views on TikTok alone with many fans of the show commenting a mix of support and their own uncomfortable experiences. Unintentionally, the comment section became a forum for young and older women alike to help work past the narrative that avoiding the pain is worth the risk.
One user wrote: “I won’t go because I refuse to be put in pain, and yes, it is painful. When they can find less traumatising ways, I’ll go”. In a collective effort to convince what would be a stranger, one of 198 replies to the comment alone.”
Another comment read: “I don’t trust doctors either but after watching my mum go through her cancer battle (bowel) – still chemo/ radiotherapy- the effects cancer has on your body, I would take a smear everyday over that. I’ve had smears that hurt and [were] uncomfortable and ones that were fine but it was nothing compared to seeing what someone with cancer goes through”.#
What is HPV and does it cause cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, HPV is a common virus that infects the skin and cells lining the inside of the body. It usually has no symptoms and for most people, will be cleared from the body without causing any problems.
It’s contracted through close skin-to-skin contact, typically during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are different types of HPV which range from low to high risk. High risk HPV types can cause cancer if they stay in the body for a long time. Cervical cancer is often linked to HPV as it causes nearly all cases.
You can get a HPV vaccination to help prevent cancer and protect against HPV. Cancer Research state that in the UK all children aged 11-13 in the UK can get the HPV vaccine. It’s also available for free to people up to the age of 25 who missed their vaccine when they were offered it, men who have sex with men (up to the age of 45), and some transgender people (up to the age of 45).
Safe sex, cervical screenings and stopping smoking can also reduce your risk of HPV.
How to book a smear test
The NHS website states that an invitation for a smear test – or cervical screening – will be sent via the NHS App, text or letter when it’s time to book for you to book an appointment once your 25th birthday has passed, and then every three years. Within the invitation, you will receive instructions on where and how to book, though most screenings are done by female nurses and doctors at your GP surgery, says the NHS website.
If you have missed your last screening, there is no need to wait for an invitation. To book an appointment, the NHS advise you call your GP or arrange a screening online.
There is also the option of booking at your local sexual health clinic or walk-in centre, however this is only available in some parts of England so it’s important to check.
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When should you book a smear test?
Smear tests are best to have done when you are not experiencing your menstrual period so try to avoid the two days before and after you’re expected to bleed, advises the NHS. If you do not experience a period then you can book at any time.
The NHS also suggest you book after you have finished any treatments if you have unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection.
Note that before being tested, you should avoid the use of any vaginal medicines, lubricants or creams for at least two days before your screening as they can affect the results.