I know this because had it not been for my mum’s smear test, the cancer would never have been caught. As she had been experiencing no symptoms, as often is the case, it was a huge shock and horror to the whole family. Considering this, it pains me that many young woman do not go to their smear test and I know what they’re thinking “I’d have symptoms, I doubt I have anything” but what if?
The #SmearforSmear involves putting on your lipstick but smudging it, taking a selfie and uploading it to social media. Many celebrities have taken up the selfie challenge including Cara Delevingne, Georgia Jagger (Shown left), Chloe Sims (The Only Way is Essex star) and Rita Ora.
While raising awareness for any form of cancer is important, cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer for below 35s and eight woman are diagnosed daily in the UK and as I have already said, 1 in 3 of young people do not take up on their smear invitation. However, cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented!
In case you’re wondering who is invited for a smear test, in Scotland, women aged 20 – 60 are invited for a screening every 3 years, this is changing in 2016 to start at 25 – 64 however. It is estimated that early detection and treatment can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers.
Along with this online campaign, World Cancer Day was on the 4th February which is another global way in which cancer awareness is raised. Cancer Research has headlined the slogan #WeWillUnite and has encouraged people to write on their hand or a piece of paper who they are uniting for, shown below. I can’t tell whether this is so people are more aware of the symptoms which might occur or to raise money. I can’t argue with either because this combination means that we might beat cancer in my lifetime.
Some people might fear that this article is too personal and part of me does fear that I don’t know who will be reading about such a difficult time in my life but if we don’t spread the word about the stories, how can we get any further?
I have been affected by cancer but I won’t let it define who I am.