Golcar mum’s smear test fight

Jun 26 2009 By Anne-Marie Senior

A GOLCAR mum who battled cervical cancer at the age of 25 has vowed to continue her fight to get the screening age lowered.

Joanna Tatlock’s bid comes after the Government announced it would not reduce the age women in England are tested for the disease – despite mounting pressure from campaigners who want the age reduced to 20.

Women will continue to be invited for screening from the age of 25 in England, unlike those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where they attend from the age of 20.

Today campaigner Joanna, now 27, said the decision was putting more young girls’ lives at risk.

The mum-of-one was diagnosed with the condition following the birth of her son Jacob, who is now nearly two.

She said: “Often by the time you get symptoms, it is a sign the cancer has progressed. Once it is noticeable and problematic, it has become more advanced and it could be too late.

“It could mean a hysterectomy and no children for a young girl in their 20s and that could be avoided.

“I’m very disappointed in the decision and we will continue to keep this in the media to keep the message out there.”

The decision comes following calls for younger women to be screened in light of the death of Big Brother star Jade Goody in March.

Joanna was among 100 women who took part in a London rally in March to campaign for the Government to lower the screening age to 20.