Jade Goody

I heard that Jade Goody passed away in her sleep this morning - ironically on mother’s day of all days. The passing of someone is always sad but I think a lot of people felt a connection with Jade due to her well publicised battle with cancer. Initially quite a few people thought Jade’s illness was a publicity stunt to win back public support after her infamous race row on Big Brother. I don’t think anyone could imagine what was to come. When her cancer was diagnosed as terminal, part of me still thought that’s she would make be miraculously cured.

Cervical cancer is one of the more treatable cancers so it’s frightening to think that Jade’s wasn’t picked up on earlier via her cervical smears. The minimum age for cervical smears was originally for women in their early 20’s. However specialists thought that this could be put back further as the incidence of cancer increased with age thus it was not likely to occur in the early 20’s. Therefore to test women at a younger age was a waste of time and money. Smears are not something that women look forward – it’s a hassle, embarrassing, uncomfortable and women often miss appointments. In the last few months of her life, Jade raised awareness for cervical cancer and there has been a rise in the number of women going for smears. If they save lives, then it’s a good thing and should be available to all.

People also accused Jade of going overboard with the media coverage when perhaps she should have spent her last few months in private. Personally I think good on Jade for raising awareness for cervical cancer. She was honest about using the media to gain money. The same money that would be used to secure her children’s future, something that would be at the forefront of any mother’s mind put in that position. It’s a shame that she won’t be around to see them grow up. Sad times for Jade’s family, may her soul rest in peace.