Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead has issued a heartfelt plea to her followers not to dismiss ‘sore tummy‘ symptoms, after she received a frightening diagnosis.
The reality TV star took to Instagram to share her personal experience, revealing that nine years ago, her mother encouraged her to get a smear test when she complained of stomach discomfort. She expressed deep gratitude for this advice as the results revealed she had severely abnormal cells (CIN 3).
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, CIN 3 indicates that the full thickness of the cervical surface layer is affected by abnormal cells, which if left untreated, could potentially develop into cervical cancer over time. Binky was informed that if she didn’t have these abnormal cells removed, it could impact her ability to conceive.
Fortunately, she now has three children and is using her platform to encourage others to book their smear tests, particularly during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. In an Instagram reel posted on Monday, January 20, Binky and her three children, India, Wolfie and Wilder, are seen enjoying some family baking time at home.
The on-screen text accompanying the reel, posted on Monday, January 20, reads: “POV: You’re reminded every day how important that one smear test was”. The caption of the post further details her experience: “9 years ago when I was 25, Mummy Felstead gave me the push I needed to book a smear test after I kept complaining of a sore tummy.
“Thank goodness she did, because my results showed I had severely abnormal cells (CIN 3). I was told if I didn’t have them removed, it could affect my chances of having children, so that’s what I did whilst she held my hand. I’m forever grateful for that one test because I now have my three beautiful babies.
“It’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and this is your reminder: Book your smear test. Don’t put it off. It could save your life.”
The video has already racked up an impressive 826,000 views, 20,000 likes and nearly 172 comments. Fellow Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson commented: “So beautiful and important.”
Tammy Peacock, a mum who offers advice to parents struggling with their young children’s sleep patterns, known as thesleepgoddess on Instagram, said: “Thank you for this post. So similar to my story.
“I was the same age, CIN 3. Removed by cone biopsy and clear since then. Been so lucky to go on to have 3 beautiful children too.”
Another Instagram user chimed in: “Thank you for sharing! I had stage 2 cervical cancer at 25. Thankfully after treatment I am almost 5 years in remission. Keep spreading awareness.”
A woman who had undergone a smear test shared: “I had the exact same experience only I had no symptoms and it was just a routine smear at 27. I was told I probably wouldn’t be able to carry and definitely wouldn’t be able to carry full term.
“Luckily I now have the most beautiful 11 year old son who was 2 weeks late! Well done for sharing and raising awareness.”
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a condition that describes abnormal alterations in the cells lining the cervix, presenting in various severities. For instance, CIN 1 signifies that a third of the cervical layer’s thickness harbours abnormal cells; CIN 2 denotes two-thirds involvement, and CIN 3 indicates the entire thickness is affected.
Macmillan Cancer Support explains: “CIN does not cause any symptoms. You are not likely to find out you have it unless you have cervical screening. Screening uses tests to find abnormal changes and to check whether they should be treated.”
Key to identifying CIN is a smear test during cervical screening. It checks for irregular cell changes in the cervix by obtaining a small sample of cells. Undertaking a smear test is crucial as it is an initial measure in detecting any anomalies which can be managed, thereby preventing the progression into cervical cancer.