Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland is backing the #SmearforSmear campaign in support of Cervical Caner Awareness week, which begins on Monday.

#SmearForSmear - the national campaign for Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, which runs from the 23 until the 29 January 2023, is challenging people to smear the stigma of smear tests, HPV, cervical screening and cervical cancer.

Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland is fully backing this campaign by helping to spread awareness of the importance of smear tests in reducing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer which manifests in the woman's cervix and mainly affects sexually active women aged between 30 and 45. It is caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are rarely symptoms which is why it is very important to have a smear test. However, the most common symptoms are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding in-between mensural cycles, after sex or new bleeding after menopause
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Lower back pain

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is heading up the #SmearForSmear campaign which aims to educate people about cervical cancer and reduce the risk of cancer.

There are many ways to get involved in the campaign:

• Smear your lipstick, makeup or paint, take a photo and upload it onto social media with a #SmearForSmear and tag @JoTrust on Twitter and @JosCervicalCancerTrust on Instagram
• Share your story if you have been personally affected by cervical cancer
• Hold a fundraising event
• Donate to Jo's cervical cancer trust
• Hold a cervical cancer awareness day using free materials accessed on the Jo's cervical cancer trust website

To find out more about the #SmearForSmear campaign and Jo's cervical cancer trust, head online.

Lisa MacKenzie, Director of Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland, commented: "Embarrassment and lack of awareness can prevent women from having a cervical screen test. According to the NHS, 1 in 4 women will not go to the screening. It is vital that we realise that screening can help prevent cervical cancer.

Everyday 2 women lose their lives to cervical cancer and 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by smear tests. We at Bluebird Care are supporting the #SmearForSmear Campaign and are encouraging women to become aware of cervical cancer and the importance of smear tests."

Bluebird Care is a national provider of care in the home, specialising in working with customers who live with dementia, physical disabilities and many other acute and chronic conditions.

Bluebird Care work alongside their customers' families, social services and the NHS to ensure that each person receives the care they need. Bluebird Care offers a unique service of tailored care visits which range from anything from 30 minutes to full live-in support.

As well as personal care they also help with meal preparation, welfare checks, shopping, social trips, visits to the hospital and provide extra support for post-discharge customers. For more details contact Bluebird Care by calling 01780 480 881, email [email protected], or visit their website.

Take out your lipstick, makeup or paint and smear it this week, beginning Monday 23 January 2023!