A mother from Yorkshire has sparked a wave of online curiosity after revealing the unexpected item she takes with her to cervical screening appointments, all while delivering a powerful message about overcoming embarrassment to attend the potentially life-saving check.
The Unusual Smear Test Essential
Amy Donohue posted a video detailing her experience of a smear test, aiming to motivate those who might be putting off their own appointment. However, it was the contents of a small zip-lock sandwich bag that captured viewers' attention. At the start of the clip, she showed a folded flannel tucked inside the bag, explaining it was her signal that "smear time" had arrived.
"For anyone who thinks this is TMI or you're feeling a little bit embarrassed about going for your smear, then this is your sign that you should absolutely not give a flying f**k," Amy stated emphatically. She clarified the flannel's purpose was for a quick freshen up before or after the procedure.
Tackling Fear and Embarrassment Head-On
Amy's video directly addressed common anxieties that prevent many from attending screenings. She described the sensation of the test as akin to "sticking a dry cotton bud in your ear," producing a minor tugging feeling. She reassured viewers that the process is swift, with her entire appointment taking just ten minutes, and results arriving within four to six weeks.
Data from NHS England shows a troubling trend: one third of eligible people across the UK are overdue for their cervical cancer screening, with attendance rates falling each year. A Cancer Research UK survey highlighted key reasons for avoidance, with 19% of respondents citing embarrassment, and others mentioning fear of pain or discomfort with a male practitioner.
NHS Protocol Changes and Community Support
In a significant update to the screening programme, the NHS announced in 2025 that women aged 25 to 49 who showed no signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in their previous test would move from three-yearly to five-yearly screenings. This change, based on advice from the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation, applies to those deemed at lower risk.
Amy praised the medical professionals, noting they are accustomed to patient nerves. "You can take it slow, you can go at your own pace, you can ask loads and loads of questions," she advised. Her message prompted others to share their own positive first-time experiences in the comments, with one woman thanking a nurse for easing her anxiety and another assuring it was "truly over in a few minutes."
"Please, please get your smears booked in because they are life-saving," was Amy's final, urgent plea to her audience. Further details about cervical screening are available on the official NHS website.
