Fight Cervical Cancer in Style returns to raise awareness of the disease that kills nearly 3 women every day. Their new survey reports that a third (36%) of girls and women (aged 16‐35) have, at some point, neglected to attend their smear test when invited despite 44% being aware that cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women aged 20‐29.
Despite high profile cases such as that of Jade Goody, and heavy campaigning in recent years, many young girls and women are still not fully aware of their risks - so we want to make sure that COMPANY readers all attend their smear appointments. Two minutes of a little discomfort is nothing compared to the altenative!
Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by a common virus called HPV (human papillomavirus) and 75% of women who are, or have been, sexually active are likely to be infected with the virus at some point in their lives. Yet according to new research released today over a third of girls and women have not heard of HPV, a third do not know how you catch HPV, and one in ten wrongly believe that HPV is hereditary.
The virus lives on the skin in and around the genital area, and can be passed on through sexual contact. Girls and women are at risk as soon as they start having intimate relationships, even if they are using condoms. Although the virus is usually cleared naturally by the immune system it sometimes persists and could lead to cervical cancer.7 44% of those surveyed are unaware that HPV is passed on through sexual contact.
Currently, eight women are diagnosed and nearly three women die of the disease every day in the UK. It’s the most common cancer in women aged 20‐29 and the second most common cancer in women under 35 years old. It is therefore important that girls and women are made aware of the risks of cervical cancer and the best ways to reduce them.
This week is European Cervical Cancer Prevention week and in order to help raise awareness, Sugababe Amelle Berrabah is showing her continued support by marking the 1st year anniversary of the Fight Cervical Cancer in Style campaign; a national campaign to educate girls and women about cervical cancer so they can better understand their risk and how to reduce it. The campaign, developed and funded by GSK, is being run in association with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK charity dedicated to cervical cancer.
So if you have an appointment for a smear, go along - it could save your life!
For more information, visit showyourstyle.co.uk
