Jade Goody's cancer bombshell gets women flocking for tests

London, Oct 13 : It looks like Jade Goody's cervical cancer bombshell has raised awareness among women, for it has led to thousands more women getting tested.

Since the former Big Brother star was diagnosed in August, smear tests have gone up about 20 percent.

"I'm pleased my cancer has raised awareness among women," the Sun quoted Goody, as saying.

"Hopefully more tests will save lives and reduce the number of women who would otherwise share my pain," she added.

The increase in cervical cancer tests was compared to the "Kylie Effect", which saw breast cancer awareness raised after the singer fell ill.

At Sheffield Primary Care Trust 750 women a day now have tests - up from 250 a week before the news of Goody's fate.

And Southwark PCT in south London saw a 25 per cent increase in smears.

Cancer Research UK's Liz Woolf said: "Jade's story made a lot more people seek information about cervical cancer."

ANI