Binky Felstead opens up on health scare as she reveals she is 'forever grateful' for a smear test nine years ago which led to vital treatment

Nine years ago Binky Felstead was pushed by her mother Jane to have a smear test and she gushed on Instagram on Monday that she is so thankful she went after doctors found ‘severely abnormal cells’.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, tested positive and underwent months of surgical treatment, which helped her to go on to have three children. Treatment of pre-cancerous cells may weaken the cervix, causing pregnancy complications.

Alongside a short clip of her baking with her three children, Binky said she is ‘forever grateful’ for the test.

In a caption to celebrate ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention Week’ Binky begged fans not to put the test off as it ‘could save your life’.

She wrote: ‘9 years ago when I was 25, Mummy Felstead gave me the push I needed to book a smear test after I kept complaining of a sore tummy. Thank goodness she did, because my results showed I had severely abnormal cells (CIN 3).

‘I was told if I didn’t have them removed, it could affect my chances of having children, so that’s what I did whilst she held my hand. I’m forever grateful for that one test because I now have my three beautiful babies.

Nine years ago Binky Felstead was pushed by her mother Jane to have a smear test and she gushed on Instagram on Monday that she is so thankful she went after finding ‘severely abnormal cells’

‘It’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and this is your reminder: Book your smear test. Don’t put it off. It could save your life.’

Binky is now a proud mother to three children, daughter India, seven, and sons Wolfie, three, and Wilder, 10-months.

Cervical screening is available to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England. People aged 25 to 49 receive invitations every 3 years. People aged 50 to 64 receive invitations every 5 years.

According to the GOVUK website, ‘cervical screening looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix. If HPV is found a cytology test is used as a triage, to check for any abnormal cells.

‘If no abnormal cells are found, a follow up screen is arranged for 12 months’ time. This will check to see if the immune system has cleared the virus.

‘Most HPV infections are transient, and slightly abnormal cells often go away on their own when the virus clears. If HPV persists, abnormal cells can, if left untreated, turn into cancer over time.’

Since 2008, all 12 and 13-year-old girls have been offered an injection to vaccinate them against the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes changes in the cervix that lead to cancer.

HPV is transmitted by sexual activity and is found in almost half of women aged 20 to 24 and about 80% of sexually active women will get HPV at some point in their lives.

And now alongside a short clip of her baking with her three adorable children, Binky said she is ‘forever grateful’ for the test

In caption to celebrate ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention Week’ Binky begged fans not to put the test off as it ‘could save your life’

Binky is now a proud mother to three children, daughter India, seven, and sons Wolfie, three, and Wilder, 10-months

It is hoped that within the next decade, the programme will help cut deaths by a further 70 per cent. Binky, however, did not have the jab because it was not available when she was at school.

It comes as Binky confirmed that Beyond Chelsea will return for another series.

The Made In Chelsea spin-off show aired last year starring Binky, Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue with cameras following their lives 14 years after the series first aired.

And now Binky has said it will return for ‘another phase’ and that more OGs could return for the show.

Taking part in a Q&A on her Instagram Story earlier this month, one fan asked her: ‘Why was there only 2 episodes of Beyond Chelsea?’

She then replied saying: ‘We only had time to do two episodes last year & to test people’s interest… which was off the charts and overwhelmingly positive.!

‘Since then we’ve had 3/4 of the OG’s reach out who want to be part of the next phase – all very exciting!’

Fans had begged previously for the likes of Louise Thompson and Millie Mackintosh to also join the show.

Cervical screening (smear test)

What is cervical screening?

All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening to check the health of their cervix.

The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.

During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.

The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called “high risk” types of HPV.

If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.

If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

What is HPV?

HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses.

Most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It’s very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about.

You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex.

Some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time.

If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated.

If you do not have a high risk type of HPV it’s very unlikely you’ll get cervical cancer, even if you’ve had abnormal cell changes in your cervix before.