Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2022
We’re all keen to do our bit to spread the word for good causes, which is why we’re getting involved with Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, from the 17th to the 23rd of January. This week is all about creating a safe and open dialogue about common fears, misconceptions, and ways to prevent cervical cancer.
In the UK, around 1 in 100 women and people with a cervix will develop cervical cancer in their lifetime. This can be a stressful time full of uncertainty and fear, and so the campaign’s aim is to help ease these worries in any way possible. By talking about treatments, prevention, and common symptoms, we’re helping to both destigmatise the disease and help those affected by it feel less alone.
How you can get involved
There are plenty of ways for you to get involved with cervical cancer awareness week, and even the smallest of things can make a big difference!
- Get on socials
Social media is an amazing tool, and you can use it in a number of ways to help raise awareness and share your stories and experiences to other people. Use social media to talk about cervical screenings and their importance, as well as reassurance to others who may be worried about their own. You can shout about why it’s so important and share your tips to make the experience more comfortable. You never know who it may help!
- Share your experiences
1 in 3 people don’t attend their cervical screening, out of fear or apprehension of the unknown. Sharing your stories and experiences could be a vital part of encouraging other people to attend a screening – it could even save a life. What do you wish you had known? How did you feel after your smear or colposcopy? Talking about your real-life experiences could really help to reassure and encourage someone else.
- Share resources and support services
There are loads of great websites and charities with information, resources, and support for those affected by cervical cancer which you can help to distribute. Charities like Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are a great source of knowledge for cervical cancer symptoms, treatment and prevention, as well as being a place to turn to for support.
- Get your workplace involved
Spreading the word doesn’t just have to extend to social media – you can recruit your workplace to display posters and statistics encouraging people to book a screening or fund-raise themselves. Every bit of awareness helps!
- Try a fund-raising challenge
While raising awareness for cervical cancer prevention is always a priority, many cancer charities, foundations, and support groups are also in desperate need of funding to carry on their vital work. You could undertake a day’s silence, a park run, or a bake sale to raise some money for a great cause. There are loads of ways to fund-raise, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Plus, any fund-raising also prompts conversation about cervical cancer prevention, so the benefits are even greater.
#SmearforSmear
The #SmearforSmear campaign is an easy way to encourage others to book their cervical screening and spread awareness of cervical cancer preventatives. All you have to do is share a selfie with smeared lipstick, along with some stats and advice to encourage your friends, family, and followers to look after their cervical health!
In the past, the #SmearforSmear campaign has been a huge part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week – it’s a really fun and easy way to spread the message. However, it’s taking a bit of a backseat this year, as the focus shifts more towards sharing conversations and experiences to reassure and console others. While the hash-tag campaign can generate a lot of buzz, this year’s prevention week is focused on more in-depth discussions not just about smear tests, but what to expect after them too.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get involved with the hashtag, though! Any and all buzz around the campaign is beneficial, so don’t be afraid to get the lippy out and share your snaps! Just try and kick-start some conversations too.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from the 17th to the 23rd of January, but there’s nothing to stop you from carrying on the good work all year round. The most important thing is to make sure that women and people with cervixes are knowledgeable about their own health and the ways they can prevent cervical cancer.
