Social Media Campaign To Fight Cervical Cancer

The UK's only dedicated cervical cancer charity is launching a social media campaign to highlight the importance of smear tests as figures show cases of the cancer in young women are on the rise.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show cases of cervical cancer in women aged under 35 are up almost 4% on 2014 and 33% on 10 years ago.

One in three young women fail to attend screenings, either because they are embarrassed, because they are concerned it will be painful or they are simply too busy.

Figures show that one in five think the test is unnecessary.

Samantha Ransom put off going to have her first smear test for eight months.

When she finally had it done she found out she had grade two cervical cancer and she was four months pregnant with her first child.

She was advised to terminate her baby as she needed intense treatment including radio and chemotherapy to rid her of her cancer.

Ms Ransom said: "I was devastated. It was the worst thing you can imagine.

"The doctors wanted to make sure I was fine and cancer free so they said it was my option but they thought a termination would be better."

After undergoing treatment, Ms Ransom had part of her cervix removed and her ovaries raised higher in an attempt to save them from the effects of radiotherapy.

However this was unsuccessful and she is now unable to have children.

She wants to make sure young women are aware of the importance of smear tests and don't leave it too late.

She said: "Don't leave that letter lying on the side. Book an appointment ASAP. It's not as uncomfortable as everyone thinks it is."

Launched at the start of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is asking the public to join #SmearForSmear - a social media campaign which aims to draw attention to the importance of smear tests and stop the rise in numbers of women diagnosed with the disease.

The director of the charity, Robert Music, said: "It's a really important opportunity to raise awareness that cervical cancer is largely preventable.

"But we need to increase the number of women attending cervical screening or young girls getting the HPV vaccine."

Since 2008 young girls have been offered a vaccine against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

But medical experts warn that this doesn't mean they're fully protected.

Gynaecological oncologist Adeola Olaitan said: "The HPV vaccine protects against two of the viruses that cause 70% of cervical cancer.

"However it doesn't give 100% protection so it is important these women still go for smear tests when they are called."

More than one million women failed to attend their smear test appointment last year.

It's hoped this new campaign will change that and make women realise that cervical cancer is one of the only cancers that is preventable.