Why Are Women Smearing Their Lipstick And Posting Selfies?
One thing, it is no makeup faux pas!
By Sadho Ram — 31 Jan 2015, 03:25 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
In case there's been an influx of women posting selfies but with their lipstick all smeared up, don't worry, it isn't a fashion faux pas
However, chances are, you might be seeing a lot more smeared lip selfies on your social media feeds over the next several days
Women are smearing their lipstick for a good cause. It's called #SmearforSmear. It's a new social media campaign and hashtag that aims to raise awareness about Cervical Cancer Awareness.
It involves posting a smeared lip selfie, encouraging women to get regular Pap smears* to screen for cervical cancer. Then, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, nominating others to do the same.
#SmearForSmear now to raise awareness of the importance of attending your #smeartest & nominate your friends pic.twitter.com/v2UCF0HTM1
— Jo's Trust (@JoTrust) January 25, 2015
Pap smears?* What's that?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina.
mayoclinic.org
"Smear tests can prevent women from ever reaching a diagnosis, or can ensure early diagnosis so treatment plans are less extensive and side effects less impactful. Similarly an early diagnosis means a better chance of survival. Quite simply, a smear test could save a woman’s life."
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 are recommended to get tested every three years, according to new guidelines.
mashable.com
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is type of cancer that develops in a woman's cervix. Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. If patients have symptoms, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in-between periods or after the menopause.
Abnormal bleeding doesn't mean that you definitely have cervical cancer, but it should be investigated by your GP as soon as possible. If your GP suspects you might have cervical cancer, you should be referred to see a specialist within two weeks.
express.co.uk
In support of the campaign, celebrities like Georgia May Jagger and Rita Ora have posted smear lip selfies on their Instagrams
You can join and follow along with the #SmearforSmear hashtag and the curated page on Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust's website
