‘Get the Pap Text’

Health & Fitness – 13 November 2013

Women with drive know that information is power. Having as much information as possible gives you the maximum choice in any situation – including your health. That’s why when we were contacted by one of our favourite women with drive, Kathy Sheeran, about publishing an article about pap smears, we were more than happy to oblige.

Kathy Sheeran: online shopping queen, author of Shopping Confessions, and what many people do not know, cancer survivor. Kathy is now one of three high-profiled ambassadors for the Be Bright campaign by Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (ACCF) – aiming to highlight the impact of cervical cancer and the importance of getting regular Pap tests.

ACCF was formed in 2007, with one vision, to save thousands of lives by bringing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to women who need it most. ACCF is working hard in Australia and developing countries to achieve this by:

– Raising awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention

– Enabling vaccination, screening and treatment for women in developing countries, and:

– Providing support to women and their families living with cervical cancer.

Womanwithdrive spoke with Be Bright ambassador Kathy Sheeran about her personal attachment to the cause:

“It was a no brainer for me to be an ambassador for such a great charity. I tested positive to cervical cancer 7 years ago and I will never forget the words of my doctor ‘a Pap test saved your life’. I needed surgery and let me tell you, it was a lot more invasive and uncomfortable than the Pap test. I’m in the all clear now but still have to have yearly check ups. If I didn’t have regular Paps we would never have detected the cancer and I wouldn’t be here today, I know that sounds dramatic but it’s true. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a Pap every 2 years.”

National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week is from November 18 – 24. Kathy and her comrades are trying to get as many women signed up as possible to its free Get the Pap Text reminder service. As an incentive, mynetsale.com.au have donated an orange Givenchy bag and everyone who signs up goes in the draw to win.

Sign up now to Get the Pap Text by visiting www.accf.org.au or calling (07) 3177 1099 and ensure you never forget your next Pap test.

Kathy Sheeran – www.shoppingconfessions.com.au