SCOTLAND’S leading cervical cancer charity is gearing up for a string of events in a bid to encourage smear uptake.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has planned a number of events across Glasgow next week as the UK marks cervical cancer awareness week.

The charity will share different experiences from women and other people with a cervix including screening after giving birth, after menopause, after transitioning, after receiving the first invitation, and after being refused it altogether.

They will also be sharing information, tips and support on how to make attending your screening a little bit easier.

The charity has joined forces with the Glasgow Times for the Don’t Fear the Smear campaign in a bid to increase screening uptake and put an end to the disease.

Iona Stoddart, Head of Scotland at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “All of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s work in Scotland leads us closer to our vision of a future without cervical cancer.

“Raising awareness of the importance of cervical screening through campaigns like #LetsTalkScreening is a key part of this. Going for your cervical screening is not always easy and there are many things in life that can make them harder for some.

“Jo's are working with communities in Glasgow and throughout Scotland to provide information and support, and also to understand the barriers some women face to screening so we can work towards addressing them.”

The charity’s aim is to remind those preparing for their smear test that everyone’s experience is different and they’ve asked Glaswegians to get involved.

Those who feel comfortable can share their own cervical screening experience on social media with the hashtag #LetsTalkScreening.

One of those who will be sharing her experience is Glasgow volunteer Clare Scott.

Clare was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year and has undergone several treatments.

She said: "I was diagnosed with cancer in March 2022 after six months of textbook symptoms.

“I completed five weeks of combined chemo/radiotherapy treatment with 4 brachytherapy treatments. However, I’m back at work, seven weeks post treatment, I’ve taken control of my life back.

“I work for the Scottish ambulance service and it’s so disappointing to see the lack of awareness about all gynaecological cancers. Smears which takes five minutes can save your life."

The Glasgow Times campaign aims to increase poor uptake across the city which is the lowest in the country.

Meanwhile, it is also working to reduce waiting times for both initial smear test results and follow-up colposcopy appointments, which are currently taking up to eight and 52 weeks respectively.

To take part in the events, visit here, or to support cervical cancer awareness week, visit here.