'Flip Your Lips' Campaign Raises Awareness Of Cervical Screening Through Beauty Selfies

Ladies, Will You 'Flip Your Lips' To Raise Awareness Of Smear Tests?
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Red Lippy Project

Cervical cancer is the 12th most common cancer among women in the UK, and the third most common gynaecological cancer.

Meanwhile, in 2011 there were 3,100 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed, which is more than eight women per day.

Despite these worrying figures, in the past three years, just one third of 25-29 year olds went for a smear test.

And this just isn't good enough.

To raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening - and to coincide with Cervical Screening Awareness Week - Red Lippy Project has launched a powerful campaign encouraging young women to get tested with a theme that we can all totally get on board with...

The 'Flip Your Lips' campaign wants women to snap a selfie of themselves sporting a "startling red lip", flip their pout pic and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #FlipYourLips.

The aim is to link feminine beauty with women's health in a way that will eradicate stigma surrounding cervical screening.

Red Lippy Project co-founders Caroline Muhlich and Linda Andersson said: "If we can get women talking about Red Lippy Project and cervical screening it will lead to more and more making the effort to get tested.

"These tests are free, easily available on the NHS and are an effective way to avoid developing cervical cancer. It’s time to spread the word and fight back against cervical cancer together."

Snap a #FlipYourLips selfie on Instagram, include @HuffPostUKLifestyle and we'll regram the best ones!

Put your best pout forward.

10 Cervical Cancer Facts
Check Your Body (01 of10)
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You know your body best. If you notice any unusual changes like abnormal bleeding from your vagina, pain in your pelvis or lower back, or pain during sexual intercourse, don't ignore it. Make some time to talk to your doctor. (credit:Shutterstock)
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices (02 of10)
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Eat a balanced diet and try not to smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke have both been linked to cervical cancer. If you smoke, reducing your risk of cervical cancer is yet another reason to quit. (credit:Shutterstock)
When Should You Have A Pap Test? (03 of10)
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You should have a Pap test within three years of becoming sexually active, or by the age of 21. If you are currently not sexually active or have not been sexually active in years, experts suggest still getting the test. (credit:Shutterstock)
Pap Tests Should Happen 1-3 Years (04 of10)
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You should have a Pap test performed every one to three years depending on previous results. If you have trouble remembering, there are a number of calender apps you can sign up for. (credit:Shutterstock)
Take The Test At The Right Time (05 of10)
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Doctors recommend you have the Pap test in the middle part of your menstrual cycle — that means between 10 to 20 days after the first day of your period. (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Do It Before The Test (06 of10)
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Don’t have sexual intercourse 24 hours before the test, as this can affect your results. (credit:Shutterstock)
What About Hysterectomies?(07 of10)
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If you've had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), you may still need a Pap test. Talk to your doctor for more information. (credit:Shutterstock)
Practice Safe Sex...All The Time (08 of10)
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The biggest risk factor for developing cervical cancer is an infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. HPV infections are quite common and most go away on their own, but some don’t. These are the infections that can lead to cancer if they aren't caught by Pap tests and treated early. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get The Vaccine (09 of10)
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Get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, as well as vulvar, vaginal and anal cancer. (credit:Shutterstock)
Know Your Medical History (10 of10)
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Know your medical history as well as your family history, especially if anyone in your family has had cancer. However, cancer can affect anyone at any stage of life, so give yourself the best chance for survival by getting it diagnosed early. (credit:Shutterstock)