You might see a lot of selfies featuring smeared makeup this week… and for a pretty good reason too.
January 22 – 28 marks the #SmearForSmear campaign, an initiative to raise awareness of the importance of getting a regular smear test.
The campaign was set up by Jo’s cervical cancer trust and over the years it has seen the likes of Cara Delevingne and other major stars take part.
This week, Rebekah Vardy, Loose Women‘s Nadia Sawalha, and Tamara Ecclestone have already urged people to book an appointment for the test.
Smear tests help prevent 75 percent of cervical cancers from developing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BePr2YlAICl/?hl=en&taken-by=beckyvardy
According to Jo Trust, the number of women who are getting smear tests has dropped considerably in recent years.
When invited for a smear test, one in four women don’t accept.
This number is even lower at one in three when the woman is between the ages of 25 and 29.
The number of women attending smear tests is falling every year. @kayeadams and I are supporting @JoTrust by sharing our worst / funny smear stories!
Smear tests only take a minute, but save lives. Make sure to book yours today #reduceyourrisk #SmearForSmear pic.twitter.com/H9AO0Guv7p
— nadia sawalha (@nadiasawalha) January 22, 2018
Similarly, the charity also discovered that over one-third of women would not go to a smear test because of their body shape.
A further 38 percent would not attend over fears of how their vulva smelled.
Just had my smear test & honestly? It was nothing. Didn't hurt and wasn’t uncomfortable takes 2 minutes! For something that could potentially save your life, don't avoid due to rumours of this terrible pain or fear of embarrassment. #SmearForSmear ✌🏽🌸💖
— AMYYYY 🖤 (@ameesheepz_) January 18, 2018
A smear test is carried out by entering the vagina using a speculum and testing for cancerous cells on the cervix.
If the cells are present they are then removed to prevent the cancer from developing.
It's Cervical Cancer Prevention week so here's a reminder to attend your smear, it could save your life! #SmearForSmear selfie💋 pic.twitter.com/KCVRGPFB29
— Gaynor Faye (@MsGfaye) January 22, 2018
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer for women between the ages of 25 and 39.
In Ireland, approximately 300 women are diagnosed with the condition every year.
In 2014, 95 women died from the disease.
You can book a smear test here or talk to your GP.
