WOMEN — and men — across the country are being encouraged to smudge lipstick across their faces for cancer awareness week.

The #Smear4Smear campaign, launched by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, aims to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening following concerning figures which show that more than one million women failed to be screened in 2013 to 14 — and incidence of cervical cancer rose among women under 35.

Shockingly, one in three young women aged 25 to 29 fail to attend screening when invited, and 20 per cent of young women think it is an unnecessary health test.

In Bolton, Tiffany White is leading the way in raising awareness about the importance of cervical screening after enduring a painful procedure last year where pre-cancerous cells were burned away from her cervix.

A cervical screening test (or smear test) is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix — a procedure Miss White says no woman should fear.

She said: "I urge any woman who has a smear test appointment to go and have it done. It is a little discomfort for the knowledge you are ok, rather than leaving it and having to have cells burned away like I did, which was really painful. Or worse — cancer.

"I totally support this campaign. Hopefully it will encourage women to have a smear test as well as donate money to a good cause."

Miss White, aged 24, has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which leads her to have heavy periods, but in February last year she knew something was not right when she began clotting.

She said: "I was in agony. I'd got used to heavy periods but nothing like that. I went to the doctors but they said it was a heavy period. For months I was back and forth for months doubled over in pain and even felt dizzy at times. I was really worried and at one time I went to the walk in centre who told me to go to the hospital who did some tests.

"I was told it was probably something to do with my PCOS. But after more back and forth, finally I was allowed to have a smear in September, which detected the pre-cancerous cells."

The mum-of-one, from Horwich, is just outside the age bracket to have cervical screening on the NHS, which offers it once every three years to those aged 25 to 49, then every five years from 50 to 64, as cervical cancer is very rare in women under 25. But due to her persistent pain she was granted one in September.

She had a biopsy of her cervix taken before she was booked in to have laser ablation in December, which is where the abnormal cells are burned away before they develop further.

She said: "I was so scared. I thought, about how if I didn't have the smear how I might not be around for my son as he grows up. I was lucky I got tested when I did. I appreciate that there has to be an age limit, but I do think it should be lowered."

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, Chair of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, explains the reason for the limit, but also advises women who notice unusual symptoms to see their doctor.

He said: "Cervical abnormalities, which would be picked by a smear test, are very common in women under 25 and in the majority of cases will go away by themselves. It is likely that many younger women would test positive if they were screened and sent for unnecessary treatment as a result.

"Screening is for women who do not have symptoms. I strongly advise women, of any age, who notice unusual symptoms to speak to their GP."

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows numbers diagnosed with cervical cancer under 35 in England has risen by 3.98 per cent in one year and 33.1 per cent over 10 years.

Robert Music, Chief Executive for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust said: "Every day we see the devastating impact a cervical cancer diagnosis can have on both a woman and her loved ones. But to know that for those that delayed their screening before diagnosis, this could have been prevented, is tragic. It's now time that we see an upward shift in awareness of cervical cancer and an understanding of the importance of smear tests."

To donate to #Smear4Smear, upload a photo to social media and nominate friend, then text JOTR01 followed by the donation amount (including the £ sign) to 70070.