Kym Marsh had a cancer scare just months after the death of her son.
Kym Marsh
The 'Coronation Street' actress - whose baby boy Archie died within moments of being born in February 2009 - was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells after undergoing a smear test in the same year, but fortunately she was able to have the cells removed.
She said: "Last week was Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and it coincided with my annual smear test.
"I have one every year as I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells 10 years ago.
"It was back in 2009 and it was the year I lost Archie - Archie died in the February and then Jade Goody passed away from cervical cancer in the March.
"A few months later, I had my first smear test after losing my son and that's when I was diagnosed.
"It was horrific but I went and had the cells removed."
As a result of her own scare, Kym has encouraged women to get themselves checked out because she "might not be here now" if she hadn't done so.
Writing in her OK! magazine column, she added: "A new survey suggested that young women put off having them done due to being embarrassed, but smear tests save lives.
"I might not be here now if I didn't go for one at the time that I did.
"So if you're due one soon please do get it booked."
Kym's message comes after her 'Corrie' co-star Nicola Thorp recently revealed she previously underwent treatment for the "really early stages" of cervical cancer.
She said: "I've had treatment for really early stages of cervical cancer. That is something that really is completely preventable now because of research in that area.
"When I found out about it I was emotional because I was very confused. There wasn't a lot of information out there a while ago now, this was nearly 10 years ago.
"We have so many fantastic services that are available and they're only available because of charities like Cancer Research UK."
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