The estranged wife of Boris Johnson, has spoken of her cervical cancer diagnosis and urged women to make time for tests.
Marina Wheeler opened up about her battle with the disease which took place while she and the Prime Minister were going through their divorce - which is still ongoing.
She said the experience made her appreciate "the incalculable value of holding close those who you love and trust" but didn't mention Mr Johnson who is living with his 31-year-old girlfriend Carrie Symonds in Number 10.
The QC who married Mr Johnson in 1993 and separated from him in 2018, underwent surgery twice after being given the news in May.
The 54-year-old is the second wife of the PM and the couple share four children.
Ms Wheeler, who considers herself to be free of cancer, told the Sunday Times of the importance of regular cervical screening, or smear tests, after a routine check in January revealed the problem which led to procedures in June and July.
"I know the take-up of smear tests is way down," she said.
"I know they can save your life. If people are willing to listen - as they seem to be - why not say so? Why be afraid? I would urge other women to make the time and do the tests."
Speaking of her reaction when she was given the diagnosis, she said: "I left thinking, 'That's absurd. I have no time for this. Quite apart from everything else I have a book to write..."'
While there is little mention of her estranged husband in the piece, she did make a coded reference to her new singledom.
In a reference to throwing a party for a friend whose birthday she missed through the illness: "There are details to iron out date, guest list," she writes, "but we agree that a Scandinavian-style singles party would be a hoot."
Attendance at cervical smear tests is the lowest in two decades in England and as low as one in two among young women in some areas of the UK.
As PM Theresa May spoke out about her own experiences to try and encourage other women to have the potentially life-saving test.
She told a session of Prime Minister's Questions: "I know what it's like ... it is not comfortable, sometimes it will be embarrassing, sometimes it's painful but those few minutes can save lives".
