Celebs encourage women to get a smear test with selfie campaign

Celebrities are getting behind a campaign to raise awareness of how important it is to get tested for cervical cancer.

The #SmearForSmear initiative, which runs from January 22nd to 28th, sees women post selfies with smeared lipstick on social media.

The campaign was set up by Jo's Trust, a UK charity dedicated to supporting women affected by cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35, yet one in three young women don't attend their smear test. I'm supporting @joscervicalcancertrust and sharing my #SmearForSmear because every woman should know that smear tests save lives. Attend your smear test, #reduceyourrisk I nominate my follows to share a #smearforssmear picture to raise awareness for @joscervicalcancertrust #smeartest #smeartestssavelives

A post shared by Becky Vardy (@beckyvardy) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:29am PST

Stars like Becky Vardy, actress Suranne Jones and our own Angela Scanlon are encouraging women to go for regular smear tests.

The simple procedure only takes minutes and is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix.

However, many women put off getting the test out of embarrassment or because they don’t think it’s important.

It’s not the most fun you’ll have with your pants off BUT it might just save your life... book a smear this week & raise awareness for cervical cancer by posting a #smearforsmear selfie... ? I nominate @davinamccall @amy_huberman @hotpatooties @suranne_jones @claraamfo @fionaleahydesign ?? Follow & support @joscervicalcancertrust

A post shared by Angela Scanlon (@angelascanlon) on Jan 22, 2018 at 1:32pm PST

Thank you @angelascanlon for nominating me to help raise awareness for #smearforsmear #cervicalcancer #cervicalcancerawareness .. ladies!! Book your smear today and get checked out. Take control. Look after you. You’re amazing. ... I nominate my Corrie girls @jenniemcalpine @katherinekel @sallylindsay73 @angelalonsdale @jennifer_boardman ... and Mr dancing on ice @antonycotton ?? @joscervicalcancertrust

A post shared by Suranne Jones (@suranne_jones) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:37am PST

In Ireland, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death due to cancer in women aged 25 to 39 years.

CervicalCheck, Ireland's National Cervical Screening Programme, provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60.

Book your test here - it could save your life.

Cover image and images on Facebook and Twitter via @beckyvardy on Instagram