Next week is Cervical Cancer Prevention week.

From January 20 til January 26, campaigners will be focussing on raising awareness of, and tackling myths around, Human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as informing the public about the important change to HPV primary testing in the cervical screening programme.

Charity campaigner Suzanne Fernando MBE said: “I am passionate about the need to raise awareness of the importance of screening as well as tackling misinformation around HPV so that more women feel comfortable and able to attend their tests and so we can get closer to making cervical cancer a thing of the past.

“HPV can be confusing, but there shouldn’t be any shame or stigma around it.

“Smear tests aren’t always easy but they can prevent cervical cancer.

“As you know I support Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity following my own diagnosis during my 2nd pregnancy almost 20 years ago.”