Tom McInnes: Jade's openness could help scores of women

Published on Friday 20 February 2009 08:54

IN talking so openly about her cancer, Jade Goody may have caused controversy, but her openness has undoubtedly done much to raise awareness.

In the same way that screening rates improved when Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer, we hope more women take advantage of the cervical screening available.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in under 35-year-olds, yet there is concern that younger women in particular are not attending for routine screening.

In Scotland, women between the ages of 20 and 60 are eligible for screening. We hope that many more people will now be aware of the importance of this short appointment in that it very simply could save their life.

The media glare on Jade at what is a truly tragic time has also served to shine some light on the specialist support services that are available to patients at the end of their lives.

As well as speaking of her desire to increase public awareness of cervical cancer, Jade has also stressed that her main concern is making sure her two young children have the financial means to have the best future possible.

Patients are often concerned about practicalities such as putting their financial affairs in order. Indeed, cancer patients tell us that financial concerns are second only to physical pain.

This is why Macmillan is committed to ensuring that patients can access specialist financial help, such as the welfare benefits that are available to those with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis is understandably a huge one but there are specialist Macmillan nurses who can help.

While we can't comment on the rights and wrongs of Jade's decision to remain in the public eye, we deeply sympathise with her and hope that she is surrounded by the love and support that she will need at this difficult time.

For more information about the work of Macmillan, visit www.macmillan.org.uk

Tom McInnes is a development manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in the south-east of Scotland.