Smear tests are vital weapon in tackling cancer despite how unpleasant they are

There is barely a family in Scotland not touched by cancer.

And while the disease remains one of the biggest killers, early treatment can make all the difference.

Kim Montgomery put off having a smear test for 10 years.

She ignored bleeding for nine months.

Her cervical cancer diagnosis still came as a huge shock.

The 31-year-old now fears the cancer is too advanced and she’ll leave her four children without a mum.

It is desperately sad but she clings on to the hope treatment will still put her in the clear.

While Kim deals with the reality of the situation, she is utterly focused on getting the message through to everyone else.

She says she was stupid and naive to put off smear tests, however unpleasant they are.

But those tests are vital. And there is support out there for anyone who needs it.

Don’t ignore Kim’s advice. And don’t ignore the signs.

Deadly cost of mobile phones

 

The smartphone in your hand comes at a price.

And in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the cost feels like hell.

That’s the deeply unsettling experience for women and children caught up in the deadly coltan trade.

The mineral is essential to phone technology. But in the DRC it can be a lawless, terrifying battle.

The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund took the Record to the front line to see the horrific aftermath and hear the plea for ethically sourced minerals.

The world is hardwired into smartphones now. And wealthy countries such as ours need to be aware of exactly what makes that world go round.