A HARD-HITTING Coronation Street storyline is responsible for an unprecedented rise in the number of Bolton women being tested for cancer.

Staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital are working extra hours to cope with a 47 per cent rise in the number of women wanting cancer tests in what is being called the "Alma effect" by doctors.

Women have been booking smear tests at the hospital after watching the fictitious death of Alma, played by Amanda Barrie, in the long-running TV soap.

Bolton's television viewers have been left so upset by the death of the much-loved character that they have swamped local GPs with requests for cervical cancer tests, the results of which are tested at the cytology department at the Minerva Road hospital.

Criticism

In just a month the number of women having smear tests has increased from 1,855 to 2,729.

In April, Granada's Coronation Street came under severe criticism from the regional's top cancer hospital, Christie, for "scaremongering". Alma died in the TV soap after missing a smear test. Christie doctors were furious saying the storyline would scare women away from having the crucial test.

In Bolton, though, the storyline is believed to be the reason why the demand for smear tests has increased by more than 47 per cent.

Dr Mark Pearson, consultant pathologist at the hospital, said that although it is difficult to prove, it did seem that the "Alma-effect" has been a factor in the increase.

He said: "We cannot think of any other reason for such a large rise in May and we have heard anecdotally that women have been requesting smears after seeing the programme.

"Certainly, we are seeing tests from women who have not had a smear for several years.

"There had been concerns that the Coronation Street storyline, which was an unusual case, would cause unnecessary anxiety to women.

"However it has also been beneficial in reminding women of the importance of smears. For although no screening programme is perfect, women significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by having regular smears."

Dr Pearson added: "Our screening staff, who already work really hard, have been brilliant and have put in extra hours to meet the demand as quickly as they can.

"They do appreciate how anxious some people can become. However I think the main message that should be stressed to women is to ensure they have regular tests and go to their GP for these when they are called."

A Granada spokesman said: "We are very pleased that the storyline has had such a positive effect. We have always said that if it saves the life of just one woman, it would all have been worthwhile.

"We have come under such a lot of criticism, but this increase shows that the storyline has had a positive result. We are absolutely delighted."