A GRANDMOTHER whose life was saved by a smear test has urged others not to delay having the check.

A Cervical Cancer Prevention Week gets underway, Gayle Maxwell spoke of how a test in January 2015, led to diagnosis in February that year of a fast-growing tumour aged just 39.

Surgery followed in April, and by October 2015 after courses of chemotherapy and internal radiotherapy, she was finally given the all clear.

Ms Maxwell said: “If I hadn’t had the smear test done at that time, or if I’d waited, you’re talking about a whole different game.

“A smear test found my cancer early — and saved my life, now I’m living well and enjoying family time.”

Backing the Scottish government’s Be The Early Bird campaign highlighting the benefits of screening — available to women between the ages of 25 and 64 — Ms Maxwell added: “As daunting as a smear test might be, the results of not having one could be much more challenging.

“As I know well, the repercussions of dealing with cancer are far greater than going in for a two-minute smear test.”