AS a veteran cancer charity campaigner, Iona Stoddart is well-versed in the concerns of patients.

She knows all too well the embarrassment, discomfort and general fear that are associated with the phrase “smear test”.

Iona, who lives in Westerton, is working around the clock as head of Scotland for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust charity to encourage the country’s 14 health boards to join forces in a bid to tackle these issues and challenge an overall low smear test uptake throughout the country.

READ MORE: Glasgow campaigners slam year-long wait for follow-up smear exam

The biggest challenge, however, is catering to the unique concerns of different groups about attending vital appointments.

“One of the most common worries we hear about is embarrassment, but there is an abundance of different concerns people have,” Iona told the Glasgow Times.

“Finding the time as well – there are lots of practical issues we often don’t think about, such as childcare or transport.

“A lot of the time people don’t have any symptoms and life is busy so, it’s viewed as something that can be put off.”

Glasgow Times:

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust was created in 1999 by James Maxwell in honour of his wife Jo, who died aged 40 leaving behind three young children.

The mum of three first experienced symptoms in 1992 but wasn’t diagnosed with cervical cancer until July 1995 – after paying for private medical treatment.

A hysterectomy, lymph node removal and chemotherapy followed leading to Jo’s remission, however, it was short-lived as she began to experience severe back pain just two years after her initial diagnosis.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon and Susan Aitken back smear test campaign

The cancer had not only returned but spread to Jo’s lungs, liver and spine.

A number of treatments were carried out in a desperate bid to save her life but, tragically, on April 25, 1999, Jo was given just three weeks to live.

She died just eight days later.

Jo felt her diagnosis was due to a number of factors: a lack of knowledge about the disease, reluctance to challenge medical advice and inadequate screenings.

Her death encouraged her family to create the charity in the hope it would help save the lives of women and people with cervixes.

Iona joined the team around three years ago and has been working to continue that legacy ever since, launching partnerships with Enable Scotland, which works with adults with learning disabilities, and Glasgow City FC.

Their work has determined a number of key groups which are less likely to attend cervical screening appointments – people with learning disabilities, younger people, and those living in areas of high deprivation.

Yet, ironically, the same groups are the most likely to develop the disease.

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow City CEO Laura Montgomery said: "As a club that champions women and girls, women's health is an important priority for us.

"We are delighted to partner with Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and join their campaign to encourage as many women as possible to get tested regularly.

"As the campaign states, smear tests save lives, it's as simple as that and we look forward to promoting this message throughout the season and helping as many women as possible."

The most up-to-date figures for the health board's smear test uptake will be released in just a few weeks' time.

The team at Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust know the numbers won't change much, if at all, but they are hopeful this will be the year things change.

Iona said: “I’m not optimistic about the latest stats that are due to be released next month, but hopefully the only way is up.

“It feels like there’s momentum now.”