[Arneldo]

Jade Goody would have died within three months without emergency treatment for her cervical cancer, she has revealed.

The reality TV star was diagnosed with the illness while she was taking part in the Indian version of Big Brother six days ago. She immediately withdrew from the programme and returned to the UK for treatment and further tests.

Goody has now been told that she has a large tumour in her womb and will require a hysterectomy next week.

"My consultant said the cancer had got so big it filled half my womb. There was a chance it was in my bloodstream," Goody told The Sun. "She told me I'd need a hysterectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The biggest shock was when I asked what would have happened if I'd stayed in India for three months.

"Without hesitation she replied, 'Jade, you would have died'. I've got to make a joke about it or I'll go mad with the fear. If I go bald I'll get a big tattoo on my head. And I refuse to question whether or not I will die. It's not an option. I'll fight with all my strength."

Goody also admitted that she is heartbroken by accusations that her health scare is nothing more than a publicity stunt.

"I'm sitting here desperately trying to come to terms with the fact that I might die, while people are out there accusing me of making my illness up," she said. "Call me a racist, call me a bigot, a chav, whatever - but don't call me a liar over this."

The star had decided to take part in India's Big Boss to make amends for her part in the Celebrity Big Brother race row, which saw her branded a racist bully for her treatment of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

DS