THERE has been a "marked increase" in the number of Worthing women getting checked for cervical cancer since Jade Goody was diagnosed with the disease.
The reality TV star's high-profile battle with the condition, which resulted in her tragic death on Sunday, March 22, has prompted many women to book a smear test.
The procedure tests for cancerous cells and is usually done every three years.
At St Lawrence Surgery in St Lawrence Avenue, Tarring, nurse manager Julie Clements said the average number of women getting tested on a daily basis had significantly increased.
Jade's reminderShe said: "There are definitely more women coming in now, not only for their routine checks, but also those who have let their smear test become overdue. It is a marked increase.
"Several women have said it's because they have seen Jade Goody in the news and it has reminded them, so it has definitely had an effect."
Julie added that the average number of women having smears in a week – typically 20 to 40 women – had risen within the last few months.
School programmeThe news comes as West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) announced more than four out of five girls offered a vaccine against cervical cancer have had it.
Around 84 per cent of year eight pupils have had the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine in the five months since it was launched.
The vaccine is most effective before girls become sexually active, which is why it is being offered to year eight pupils.
But there is also a catch-up programme for 17 and 18-year-olds being offered at various GP surgeries.
Hundreds vaccinatedA three-course dose of HPV protects against the two types of the virus that causes the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Seven schools in Worthing are offering the HPV vaccine through their school nurses.
There were 610 girls eligible for the vaccine and 509 (83 per cent) have been given a first dose.
Up until the end of February, 493 had been given the second dose (81 per cent).
More studyGirls who have had the vaccine are still encouraged to have smear tests as normal from age 25, but it is thought the two coupled together will save more lives.
Cindy Goddard, social and emotional aspects of learning co-ordinator at Davison School for girls, said they had seen a large uptake in girls having the vaccine.
She added: "The girls have been very sensitive to recent events in the press about Jade Goody and I believe that this has impacted on the number who have decided to take the vaccine.
"Davison are also taking part in a study about this by the University of Sussex and the girls have been invited to complete a questionnaire."
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