Did everyone survive Valentine’s Day? Yes, it’s overly commercialised and taps into the truly mush mush sentiments of love but boy are we suckers for it! And there’s nothing as heart-warming as receiving a card or token just to let you know that you’re loved. I know I’m a hopeless romantic!!

As her cancer progresses and it has been announced she does not have long to live, I cannot help but feel for Jade Goody and her family. I know this statement may provoke the columnists into frenzied rants regarding her stupidity, racism and sheer greed for media attention but she does not deserve to die, her children do not deserve to lose their mother to such a terrible disease. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death to women between 15 and 44 in Europe, second only to breast cancer. In Ireland, every year 180 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer and, every year, 73 will die from the disease. The National Cervical Screening Programme, which was launched in September 2008, provides free smear testing for all women between 25 and 60. This test is used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which may or may not, in years to come, develop into pre cancerous cells or cervical cancer. By regularly having this test changes in your cells can be detected early and measures can be taken to ensure that these abnormal cells never have the chance to develop further.

In comparison to other forms of cancer, the public knowledge regarding cervical cancer is scarily small. There are many misconceptions, myths and ignorance surrounding the cancer itself, its causes and its detection. In 2007, the Cervical Screening & Cancer Awareness and Attitude Survey reported that although two thirds agreed that cervical cancer was one of the most common cancers and a serious issue the same percentage of 20-30 year olds had never had a smear. When asked why the majority answered fear – fear of procedure, pain and diagnosis. A smear can be uncomfortable, embarrassing even, but it reduces the risk of cancer – a minute of embarrassment is nothing. A smear, if resulting in normal, is only once every three years. And, remember, even if the result comes back abnormal it DOES NOT mean cancer. Severe abnormalities are investigated further and, in a tiny percentage of cases, cancer may be found; mild abnormalities are closely monitored with another smear in six months time as the abnormal cells usually return to normal. Through Jade, cervical cancer has been brought into the spotlight. She has highlighted the hundreds of women who are living, suffering and dying with this cancer. The spotlight must not fade. As I write this, Jade is planning her wedding for this weekend, she is planning to live a lifetime in a few months. If her case prompts just a small percentage of that two thirds to take a smear then her suffering has not been in vain. Ignorance is not bliss. If you wish to find out more information please speak to your local GP or nurse or check out www.icsp.ie and www.tellher.ie.

In this month’s advertiser, we look back at the NW Roscommon CDP Shoe Exhibition commemorating the 146 women who have died as a result of domestic violence. We announce Ballagh’s Tidy Towns Committee’s initiatives to clean up the town, including a Town Spring Clean on 14th March. Let’s take some pride in Ballagh and get involved. The Oscars are fast approaching and we have the low-down on the nominees and whom we pick as this season’s big winners. Pancake Day is just around the corner – check out the history of this yummy pancake filled day and some delicious recipes to inspire you. As always, we are jam packed with all your local news and sport as well as entertainment galore.

Also check out the new look Ballagh Advertiser website at www.ballaghadvertiser. com for all your local events and news. Updated weekly it’s your gateway to Ballagh!