WILD wants to improve cervical health among young parents.
In the UK, more than 3,200 women find out they have cervical cancer every year. (1)
Spotting cervical cancer early on through regular screening (previously known as smear tests) can prevent around 70% of cervical cancers from developing. (2)
Cervical cancer can affect people of all ages but in the UK, screening is only available between the ages of 25 to 64.
WILD supports young and expectant parents up to the age of 23.
Despite early pregnancy being a risk factor for cervical cancer, these parents are not offered cervical screening although they will have been offered the HPV vaccine between the ages of 12 -13.
The HPV vaccine reduces the chance of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is mostly harmless but is linked to the development of cervical cancer.
Screening and vaccination are vital in preventing cervical cancer, but with five million women not up to date with their cervical screening (3), we think a better understanding of cervical health is also needed.
Young parents need to know the early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and understand the importance of screening so that they attend screening appointments when they are offered.
To raise awareness of cervical health, WILD is delivering Sassy Cervix workshops to over 100 young people across Cornwall.
The workshops will help them to:
understand the physiology of the cervix, uterus, and pelvic health
understand the symptoms of cervical cancer
take preventative measures (including smoking cessation, barrier contraception)
feel confident to get help and take up screening services in the future
Delivered through WILD’s network of young parent groups, the project is part of the charity’s health-focused work which aims to improve the mental and physical health of new and expecting young parents.
It follows a separate but equally important project between WILD, Health Innovation South-West, and researchers at the University of Exeter, which aims to improve women’s pelvic health after childbirth - read more here.
Jo Davies, WILD CEO says “One of the greatest barriers to cervical health is a lack of knowledge and understanding. Through the Sassy Cervix workshops, we will give our young parents honest, dignified information and help them put that into practice so they can better understand and take charge of their bodies and health. Young parents, like all parents, have the right to the best possible physical health and we are helping them achieve this.”
The Sassy Cervix project is funded by The Cornwall Cancer-focused Community Outreach Fund.
The Cornwall Cancer-focused Community Outreach Fund is the result of a collaboration between Cornwall VSF and NHS Peninsular Cancer Alliance.
The Cornwall Cancer-focused Community Outreach Fund aims to support voluntary and community organisations in Cornwall to implement innovative engagement activities that increase awareness of signs and symptoms in our targeted cancer sites and increase the education and uptake of cancer screening. The funding is intended to address health inequalities in these communities and encourage innovative and targeted approaches to meet the needs of our communities in Cornwall.
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