Pop star Ashley Roberts has urged her fellow females to undergo regular smear tests after revealing her own brush with cervical cancer.

The former Pussycat Dolls singer, 34, admits she was lucky the irregularities were spotted early, and medics were able to remove the pre-cancerous cells before they could become a real problem.

She tells Star magazine, "I've had pre-cancerous cells removed from my cervix and it's scary. Fortunately doctors caught it early. I've had to have a few procedures, which is not comfortable or fun, but thank God I'm healthy now.

"Thankfully I've been clear ever since. I make sure I have regular smear tests."

Roberts now hopes that going public with her own experiences will encourage others to keep up to date with their health checks, saying, "It can happen to any woman, no matter what race, sexuality or age you are."

However, the singer is refusing to dwell on the cancer scare.

She adds, "I try my best to have a positive outlook because mental awareness is an important way to lead your life."