Running a smear campaign

But two top female disc jockies have given there backing to a new, hard-hitting campaign launched by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Aimed at women aged between 20 and 35, this initiative looks to increase awareness of smear testing and incorporates humour witha serious message of the need for cervical screening.

Emilia Crighton, consultant in public health medicine, NHSGGC, said: “New research shows that the main barriers stopping women from attending cervical screening ( smear test) are fear, embarrassment and pain.

“The ‘Smear’ campaign hopes to alleviate the fear women feel about going for the test and tackle the myths that smear testing is painful and embarrassing.”

With three humorous videos discussing smear tests in language women can relate to, posters, radio play and promotional cards, the campiagn wants to address the fears of women and change how women feel about attending smear tests.

Ms Crighton continued: “It really is important that women take up the invite to have a smear test every three years as it could potentially save their lives.

“Many women ignore this invite with the 20 to 35-year-old age group being the most persistent offenders and embarrassment and pain being the most common reasons for women not attending.

“The ‘Smear’ campaign is aimed at women in this age group and we would like them to watch the three videos where women discuss smear tests in the way women do in ordinary life — the videos are available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVop6FKw840.

“Please do not ignore the invite for a smear test as it only takes five minutes and saves around 5,000 lives in the UK every year.”Radio Clyde DJ, Suzie McGuire is a keen supporter of urging women to have the test done.

Suzie said: “I have always found my smear tests to be quick and easy.

“The GPs and nurses have always been extremely discreet and I’ve never found the experience to be in the least embarrassing or even slightly painful.

“Any sense of anticipation is far outweighed by the peace of mind that comes with an all clear result.

“With eight out of 10 cervical cancer cases being treatable is discovered early enough, I would urge every female out there to make an appointment asap and to see for yourself how surprisingly effortless it is and perhaps save your lifein the process.”