Fallon is from Stockport and recently had her first smear test (cervical screening appointment).

"I got a letter from the NHS advising me that my first smear test was due and to contact my GP practice and book in. I rang to make an appointment and asked for a female GP but was told that a female nurse does it which also means a shorter wait.

On the day of the test I felt a bit anxious but you often get like that with a new experience. And I wasn’t sure if it was going to hurt or whether I’d feel embarrassed.

I went on my own and the nurse was lovely and made me feel really at ease. A curtain was put round while I got undressed and then she put a sheet over me so I didn’t feel embarrassed at all.

She explained what she was going to do and then kept talking right through. I didn’t like the sound of it when she used the word ‘scrape’ so I was all ready to take a calming breath, thinking this is going to hurt but it was over in seconds and I felt no discomfort at all.

It took longer for me to get undressed than the test itself!

After the smear test I had no physical after effects but I did feel relieved. I messaged my sister and friends and told them to get theirs done as I could now tell them what it’s like.

I then started to feel a bit anxious about the result and dreaded getting the letter. I was told I’d get this in 2 weeks and if the smear was abnormal I’d be referred to a specialist. It was actually about 3 weeks and there was nothing abnormal so my next test will be in 3 years time.

I’d definitely say to others my age and in fact any age, ring your GP and get booked in for your test. The thought is worse than the reality and it really is over so quickly and I got peace of mind when I got the result back."