Mention the words smear test to a school girl and she would shriek in dismay at the thought of a cold contraption being inserted into her. I remember professing amongst peers that I was not going to have such a thing done while we all ended in a nod of approval. The myths and misapprehension about the test breed fear and contempt towards  a simple procedure that can prevent fatalities if untreated.

This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, an initiative led by the European Cervical Cancer Association.  Cervical cancer, in 99.7% of cases, is caused by persistent infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical screening (smear test) is a method of examining cells from the cervix in order to detect abnormalities that might become cancerous in the future. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo’s Trust) is the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. Their aim is to offer information, support and friendship to women of all ages, to help them to understand the importance of cervical screening.

In the video below Jenny talks about her experience with Cervical Cancer. She did a charity skydive for Jo’s Trust to raise money and awareness for the illness.

Video via ReallyRichTV.com