GK Barry urges women to book a smear test after doctors found early signs of HPV
GK Barry has urged women not to avoid their smear tests as she opened up about her own test, where doctors found the early signs of human papillomavirus (HPV) and were able to act quickly
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here star GK Barry spoke on Loose Women about the importance of getting a smear test and how the often-avoided test can save your life. The influencer said that thanks to her recent cervical screening test, doctors were able to find early signs of an STI called human papillomavirus (HPV).
The 25-year-old said that doctors found "bad cells" during her screening. GK, whose real name is Grace, then made a return visit for a colposcopy - a procedure to treat abnormal cells. On June 15, the TikTok creator said: "When my smear test came up, I went to go and get it, and thank god I did because, when I went I tested positive for HPV. I just had some bad cells so I had to then go and get a colposcopy... and get it burnt off".
She explained that she has check ups "so regularly" to "keep an eye on them," referring to the "bad cells" infected with HPV. The social media influencer spoke further about how she thinks people don't get smear tests due to embarrassment or out of fear.
Speaking passionately on the topic, Grace said: "My thing is a lot of people my age... they just think it will be alright. They don't want to know what the answer is. I think it's so important to get your smear test done because 90% of the time nothing's wrong".
According to Nuffield Health, one in 20 smear test "note abnormal cell changes and most of these changes won't lead to cervical cancer. But in some cases the abnormal cells will need to be removed so they can't become cancerous".
She opened up in her advocacy, adding: "I'm the first one out of a lot of my friends and family to have to go back and get something done like a colposcopy, but I'd rather be told I've got something early and be able to live than, because I was too scared of catching something or the answer, catch something late and end up dying".
Grace 's experience has reached over 2.2 million views on TikTok alone with many fans of the show commenting a mix of support and their own uncomfortable experiences. Unintentionally, the comment section became a forum for young and older women alike to help work past the narrative that avoiding the pain is worth the risk.
One user wrote: "I won't go because I refuse to be put in pain, and yes, it is painful. When they can find less traumatising ways, I'll go". In a collective effort to convince what would be a stranger, one of 198 replies to the comment alone."
Another comment read: "I don't trust doctors either but after watching my mum go through her cancer battle (bowel) - still chemo/ radiotherapy- the effects cancer has on your body, I would take a smear everyday over that. I've had smears that hurt and [were] uncomfortable and ones that were fine but it was nothing compared to seeing what someone with cancer goes through".#
What is HPV and does it cause cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, HPV is a common virus that infects the skin and cells lining the inside of the body. It usually has no symptoms and for most people, will be cleared from the body without causing any problems.
It's contracted through close skin-to-skin contact, typically during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are different types of HPV which range from low to high risk. High risk HPV types can cause cancer if they stay in the body for a long time. Cervical cancer is often linked to HPV as it causes nearly all cases.
You can get a HPV vaccination to help prevent cancer and protect against HPV. Cancer Research state that in the UK all children aged 11-13 in the UK can get the HPV vaccine. It's also available for free to people up to the age of 25 who missed their vaccine when they were offered it, men who have sex with men (up to the age of 45), and some transgender people (up to the age of 45).
Safe sex, cervical screenings and stopping smoking can also reduce your risk of HPV.
How to book a smear test
The NHS website states that an invitation for a smear test - or cervical screening - will be sent via the NHS App, text or letter when it's time to book for you to book an appointment once your 25th birthday has passed, and then every three years. Within the invitation, you will receive instructions on where and how to book, though most screenings are done by female nurses and doctors at your GP surgery, says the NHS website.
If you have missed your last screening, there is no need to wait for an invitation. To book an appointment, the NHS advise you call your GP or arrange a screening online.
There is also the option of booking at your local sexual health clinic or walk-in centre, however this is only available in some parts of England so it's important to check.
Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
When should you book a smear test?
Smear tests are best to have done when you are not experiencing your menstrual period so try to avoid the two days before and after you're expected to bleed, advises the NHS. If you do not experience a period then you can book at any time.
The NHS also suggest you book after you have finished any treatments if you have unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection.
Note that before being tested, you should avoid the use of any vaginal medicines, lubricants or creams for at least two days before your screening as they can affect the results.
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Many influencers promote supplements that contain the ancient Indian herb ashwagandha - also saying it helps cure anxiety and a poor sex drive. Hundreds of social media users flocked to the comments sections, begging for more information, with experts worried many people will take such advice as gospel. Cancer sufferers are even among the commenters asking for recipes and recommendations to fight their deadly disease. When The Sun contacted TikTok about the videos peddling alternative cancer cures, those that we flagged were removed. VIRAL DOESN'T MEAN VALID Michael Baah, who is a cancer rehab coach, said it is "scary" people are relying on TikTok and social media for health advice. He explained: "The health advice I see on TikTok lately is wild. One minute it's 'walk 10k steps,' the next it's 'eat pickles to cure cancer' or 'bite a lemon to stop anxiety.' "And the scary part? People are actually giving it a go. "I coach cancer rehab clients every week, and I always tell them, if you're considering any supplement or remedy, speak to your consultant first. "Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. "Some of these so-called cures like dog dewormer, fermented pickles, or herbal teas are dangerous when taken seriously. "Just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it's harmless, and just because it went viral doesn't make it valid. "If anything, it shows how easy it is to spread false hope to vulnerable people." Often, the TikTok videos point to the online shop in the app where people can buy the supplements mentioned. This advice - mostly from people without any medical knowledge - could lead to patients turning away from vital treatment. 10 10 10 10 Other herbs or supplements could also interfere with any ongoing cancer treatment. Cancer UK warns: "One of the biggest risks of seeking alternative therapy is postponing or declining evidence-based conventional treatment, which might otherwise prolong or even save a patient's life." Gen Z particularly vulnerable New research from City St George's, University of London, recently found that 81 per cent of cancer cures touted by content creators on TikTok are fake. It also found that Gen Z is particularly vulnerable to cancer misinformation, as TikTok is used as a search engine and is a key means of accessing health information for this demographic. TikTok told The Sun that the study had a small sample size and only represented a tiny percentage of the content on the app. It said it takes steps to counter misinformation - which is a problem across all social media, not just the video-based platform. It's not just cancer cures being promoted online, but for a range of both physical and mental illnesses. Anxiety sufferers are told to eat an orange while in the shower. Influencers confidently tell those suffering from the mental illness to bite into a lemon or eat sour skittles or sour patch kids to shock their system out of a panic attack. Others said to eat ice, have a cold drink or an ice bath along a similar vein. Some even claimed that eating fermented pickles also helps. TikTok health advice: What to look out for Check credentials Do they have any relevant qualifications? Are they a certified trainer, registered dietitian, or licensed professional in their field? Real experts will usually highlight their credentials clearly, signposting where they qualified from Do your own research Verify the information they share -don't blindly follow their advice. Look for scientific evidence or expert opinions backing up their claims - there are many health studies online. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep and eye out for red flags Be wary if they are promoting extreme products, quick fixes, or other unrealistic hacks. Don't trust overly sensationalised or extreme claims. Are they signposting you to a shop online or a service? They could be benefiting financially from this. Michael added: "Things like eating ice or biting lemons are just sensory distractions. "They might offer a few seconds of relief, but they don't address the root of what someone's feeling. "If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. "As a professional, I think it's important we stick to what's proven: science-backed strategies, structured support, and good old-fashioned common sense. "That's what gets results. Not trending audio and a camera filter. It's spreading misinformation "The bigger issue is how polished and convincing these videos look. "It's easy to get sucked in. But behind the editing and engagement, there's usually no evidence, no credentials, and no real accountability. "So yes, enjoy your orange in the shower if it gives you a lift, but don't confuse that with a treatment plan. "Real health takes consistency, not gimmicks." Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, who specialises in anxiety, agreed. She told The Sun: "Some people may find regular cold exposure (ice baths or cold showers) are a helpful way to reduce anxiety, alongside input from a qualified health professional, as it can help to regulate the nervous system. "Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem, misleading people into thinking quick fixes are effective treatments. "This can delay seeking proper care and invalidate real struggles of people who live with anxiety every day. "Because these 'health' influencers often lack professional credentials, they can spread misinformation widely without accountability, and sometimes encourage risky or harmful behaviours." TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are flooded with self-proclaimed "wellness experts" confidently informing their followers of their "credentials". Research published in 2023 discovered that 84 per cent of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, with 14 per cent of videos containing content that could be harmful. It has been found that "personal narratives are often prioritised over research-backed content". A TikTok spokesperson said: "TikTok is a place where people can share their personal medical treatment experiences and build supportive communities. "We proactively provide trusted health information in-app from the World Health Organisation, partner with independent fact-checkers to verify content, and rigorously enforce policies— to remove any content which breaches this policy." They said that their Community Guidelines ban health misinformation that may cause significant harm and they remove this content from the platform when they find it. Some professionals are beginning to adopt the influencer style of content online - further blurring the lines and making it confusing about who to trust. 10 10 APPLE CIDER VINEGAR One expert pointed to the case of Australian influencer Belle Gibson, who was the subject of Netflix documentary "Apple Cider Vinegar" last year. The wellness warrior pretended to have brain cancer, and falsely told her thousands of followers she had cured herself through alternative therapies and nutrition. She gained a huge following online in 2013 after blogging about her "battle with cancer". Gibson amassed 200,000 followers on Instagram when it was still a new social media platform - a large number back then. CANCER CON I was diagnosed with cancer at 19 and then was scammed by con artist Belle Gibson who said she could cure it By Leanne Hall Belle Gibson is the latest fraudster to have a TV show made on how she swindled people out of money by pretending healthy eating and green juices cured her brain cancer. However, it soon became clear that Belle's natural remedies didn't work and that she never even had cancer to begin with. Starting as a blogger in 2009, Belle claimed she was diagnosed with "malignant brain cancer" and given "six to eight months" to live. However, Belle said she had chosen to withdraw from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and instead embarked on "a quest to heal myself naturally… through nutrition, patience, determination and love". With 200,000 followers on Instagram at the time, many of whom were cancer patients, she conned them into thinking she had found a cure. And one of those was fellow Aussie Bella Johnston. At the age of 19, Bella was diagnosed with a paraganglioma, a rare endocrine tumour, in 2009 and was surrounded by older people in the hospital leaving her feeling isolated. So when she found Belle's social media and saw she was roughly the same age and battling cancer too, she was hooked. Bella saw that the influencer had claimed to manage the disease with diet, exercise and alternative medicine and as a result, Bella wanted to follow in her footsteps. But unbeknownst to Bella, the cancer survivor she looked up to was a con artist who had never had the disease. She then released "The Whole Pantry", a health and wellness app. The fraudster claimed doctors told her she only has "six weeks, four months tops" to live - drawing in thousands of sympathetic followers. From there, she also published a cookbook and raked in $400,000 Australian dollars, pledging to donate a share to charity. In 2015, Gibson was exposed by journalists as a fraudster who lied about her medical records and diagnosis. A federal court ordered her to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid. Her money-grabbing lies went on to inspire many documentaries. What's worse is that she is only one of a growing list of young, attractive and seemingly inspirational women who fake serious illnesses to make money. Sometimes the families themselves are in on the lie - as with the case of British teenager Megan Bhari. Not only were donors conned out of around £400,000, but they duped celebrities including Louis Tomlinson, Taylor Swift, even winning an award from Prime Minister David Cameron. Aged 15, her mother Jean told friends that her daughter - who already suffered from a disease causing a build-up of pressure on the brain - had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. They started a charity, Believe in Magic, a 'Make-a-Wish'-style organisation to bring hope to seriously ill children. Jean herself posted regular updates about her daughter's hospital visits - at one point even raising £120,000 in 48 hours for emergency treatment in the US, saying Megan's tumour had worsened. She even once claimed that Megan had severe sepsis and that doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of surviving the next week - but it was all a lie. An inquest later recorded she died of heart failure related to a fatty liver but there was no mention of a tumour on her medical records. The Charity Commission later launched an investigation into Believe in Magic before freezing its accounts following "multiple complaints." Her charity was dissolved after a probe found nearly £400,000 missing from its books. Police did investigate the complaints but said that there was insufficient evidence to take the matter any further. Do you know more? Email 10 WEB OF LIES I was pals with Apple Cider Vinegar's Belle Gibson but exposed her for the liar she was – her 'seizures' were a red flag By Emma Pryer WHEN Chanelle McAuliffe struck up a friendship with Belle Gibson in October 2014, she thought she'd found a kindred spirit. Despite Belle's, 32, supposed terminal cancer diagnosis and the looming dread that she might not reach her next birthday, she was full of ambition - and that inspired Chanelle, 37. Little did Chanelle know, it was all a lie. Belle, who at the time was running Australia's most known wellness account by claiming she'd curated a natural healing lifestyle that cured her of deadly brain cancer, had never been diagnosed with the deadly illness. The incredible story of the world's most devious con-woman and how her fraudulent business was finally uncovered was made into a Netflix series called Apple Cider Vinegar, which hit the platform earlier this month. The Melbourne mum-of-one's Instagram account, Healing Belle, had more than 300,000 followers by the time she was eventually caught out. The influencer honed in on the fear and bewilderment of her followers and friends - including Chanelle. Most of her followers were people genuinely battling terminal cancer, and she was fraudulently telling them to drink green juices and consume organic foods to cure themselves. Her mantra? Western medicine, such as chemotherapy, could not cure you. She kept up the facade of her supposed deadly illness by faking seizures, claiming her 'cancer' was spreading and telling people: "I'm going to die soon anyway." Initially, Chanelle believed it all. But just a few months into their friendship, after she'd watched Belle roll around on the floor having a 'seizure' before miraculously jumping to her feet and wiping saliva from her mouth, alarm bells started to chime.
