Number of women not attending smear tests in Wales at a '10 year low'
The number of women attending cervical screenings in Wales is at a 10 year low, according to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.
The charity says it's concerned that if this number keeps increasing, that more lives will be lost and that it is particularly worried about women aged between 25 and 29.
Maria Dullaghan was diagnosed with cervical cancer when she was 25 and had to undergo a full hysterectomy. Watch James Crichton-Smith's report below.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is now calling on people to help them raise awareness of the role of cervical screening in preventing cervical cancer by getting involved with their #SmearForSmear campaign.
The campaign is simple; upload a smeared lipstick selfie on social media with the message: Attend your smear, reduce your risk of cervical cancer, and nominate your friends to do the same.
Research by the charity has found:
over half of the 25-29 year old UK women surveyed have delayed or not attended cervical screening;
almost one quarter admitted they have delayed for over one year;
almost one in ten have never attended the test which provides the best protection against cervical cancer.
Jo's Cervical Trust says the top reasons for women not attending their smear test included simply putting it off, worry it would be embarrassing and worrying it would be painful.