THURSDAY, 22 JANUARY, 2026

Photograph attached: Associate Director for Public Health Heidi Douglas, Gynae Cancer Lead Dr Kalpana Ragupathy, Sheli McCoy and Public Health Officer – Screening Inequalities Sarah Nicholson

Be the champion of your own health this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Dundee businesswoman and Gladiators star Sheli McCoy is urging people to be champions of their own health as part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19-25 January).

Sheli, who appears as Sabre on hit BBC show Gladiators, has teamed up with NHS Tayside’s Public Health and Gynaecology teams to raise awareness of the importance of regular cervical screening.

Sheli said, “During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, I want to spread awareness of the importance of getting your screening. A smear test can detect early issues and signs of cancerous cells and massively increase the potential of successful treatment. It really can save lives.

“I understand that people may feel a bit nervous about going for their screening, I was hesitant at first but once I’d been to my appointment I quickly realised it’s fine and it really provides reassurance.”

Consultant in Public Health Heidi Douglas said, “We are delighted that Sheli is supporting us this year to raise awareness and encourage people to attend their screening appointment. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer, as it can identify the early stages of the disease, before there are any signs or symptoms, and can even help stop cancer before it starts. 

“Those eligible for screening – women and anyone with a cervix aged 25-64 – should respond to their invitation letters and book an appointment at their own GP.

“It’s important that you still go for regular cervical screening even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine because, although the vaccine protects against a lot of the different types of HPV that cause cancer, it doesn’t protect against them all.

“Screening saves thousands of lives each year in the UK but around one in four women living in Tayside are overdue. Women who have never had a smear or are long overdue are at an increased risk of cervical pre-cancer and cervical cancer compared to women who have regular smear tests.”

Want to know more about your smears?

• Talk to your nurse or GP

• Visit nhsinform.scot or call 0800 224488 (textphone 18001 0800 22 44 88). The helpline is open every day 8am-10pm and also provides an interpreting service.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740138