Maya Jama has revealed she experienced a recent health scare following a smear test, sharing the news with her followers on Instagram on Thursday. The Love Island host returned from Ibiza and immediately went to the doctors for a follow-up appointment after receiving her smear test results.
Maya's Health Update
Maya admitted she felt 'nervous' about the appointment but encouraged her followers not to postpone their own tests, having previously suffered complications due to delays. Sharing a photo of her Nike trainers in the waiting room, she wrote: '24hrs in Ibiza was fun. At the doctors now as a follow up from my smear test the other day. I have to get those cells burned off, feeling nervous but this is why smears are so important!'
In a subsequent update, Maya posted a mirror selfie in an oversized white T-shirt, jeans, and sunglasses, revealing: 'So turns out I didn't need the cells burned but a mini biopsy to monitor the cells further, again reminder to go in if you are putting it off'.
Understanding Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CIN)
About 6 in every 10 people have abnormal cells in their cervix, known as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical glandular intra-epithelial neoplasia (CGIN). This is not cancer, but there is a risk it could turn into cancer if left untreated. Abnormal cells may be detected during a colposcopy, but a biopsy is needed to assess the risk and determine if treatment is necessary.
The types of abnormal biopsy results include:
- CIN 1 – unlikely to become cancerous, may resolve on its own; no treatment needed, but follow-up screening in 12 months.
- CIN 2 – moderate chance of becoming cancerous; treatment to remove cells is usually recommended.
- CIN 3 – high chance of becoming cancerous; treatment is recommended.
- CGIN – high chance of becoming cancerous; treatment is recommended.
In rare cases, a colposcopy and biopsy may detect cervical cancer, leading to a referral to specialists for treatment.
Maya's Previous Experience
Back in 2021, Maya urged fans to book their smear tests after suffering complications from delaying her own. She revealed she had suspected CIN as a result of postponing her test for a year. CIN causes no symptoms and is unlikely to be discovered without a smear test.
Discussing her experience, Maya said: 'It's very rare I get serious but I don't see it talked about enough. Girls, if you haven't done already, go and get your smear test. I know it seems butters and uncomfortable and awkward but it's not that bad and it's so important.' She added: 'I've just had to get my second one because I left it a year for my second check-up. You've just got to check on these things.'
She explained: 'There's these things – I'm not a doctor, probably not the right terminology – but I think they're called CINs, and he thinks I have CIN two. So the first one is fine, [with] CIN two you have cells that you need to monitor and then the third is cancerous stuff or will become cancerous.' After her biopsy, she said: 'You basically have to monitor these things and it's better you catch it sooner rather than later so it doesn't go into something else. Just get checked, don't put it off, it's minor.'
Love Island Return
The news comes as the start date for Love Island's 13th season has been confirmed, with the show returning to ITV2 on June 1, 2026, hosted by Maya. A source told The Sun: 'After an explosive All Stars where the drama just kept on coming, bosses are keen to keep the ball rolling and head into the summer series full throttle.'
Last year's series aired from June 9 to August 4, 2025. Maya joined the show in January 2023, taking over from Laura Whitmore. The spin-off Love Island All Stars aired from January 15 to February 26, 2026, and saw Ciaran Davies and Samie Elishi win, though they split shortly after returning to the UK.
What is a Smear Test?
Cervical screening, formerly called a smear test, checks the health of the cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer. All women aged 25 to 64 are invited every 5 years. The test looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cell changes. If HPV is found, the sample is checked for abnormal cells, which can be treated to prevent cancer.
