The Sugababes have been revealed as the faces of Fight Cervical Cancer in Style, a national campaign to educate girls and women about cervical cancer so they can better understand their risk and how to reduce it.
The campaign, developed by GlaxoSmithKline, is being run in association with Jo’s Trust, the UK charity dedicated to cervical cancer, and is supported by the Royal College of Nursing and Wellbeing of Women. The campaign is funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Heidi Range says: “Having performed at Jade Goody’s wedding, cervical cancer is a subject we feel passionately about. We are proud to be supporting the campaign as it is important that girls and women realise how they could catch the virus that causes cervical cancer, as well as the steps they could take to reduce their risk.”
Many women believe that cervical cancer is hereditary, however, almost all cases are caused by a common virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). The virus can be passed on through sexual contact, therefore girls and women are at risk as soon as they start having intimate relationships. The virus is usually cleared naturally by the immune system but sometimes it persists and could lead to cervical cancer.
Currently, eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly three women die of the disease every day in the UK. It’s the most common cancer in women aged 20-29 and the second most common cancer in women under 35 years old. It is therefore important that girls and women are made aware of the risks of cervical cancer and the best ways to reduce their risk, including a healthy lifestyle, cervical screening and vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus).
Robert Music, Director of Jo’s Trust comments: "We are delighted to be involved with such a worthwhile campaign, and believe it is essential that girls and women are aware of the causes of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer may not have any symptoms until it is quite advanced and therefore girls and women should know what practical steps they can take, including living a healthy lifestyle, screening and vaccination to protect themselves against this largely preventable illness.
“Having The Sugababes involved in this exciting campaign means we can reach this audience in an engaging way and let them know how they can reduce their risk of this terrible cancer. I applaud the group for their involvement and look forward to working with them.”
Joining forces with the Sugababes, cutting edge designers Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker of British fashion emporium PPQ, are also showing their support. They have designed a limited edition Fight Cervical Cancer in Style scarf as a symbol for the campaign, with a fashion forward print using this season’s hottest colour, purple. The Fight Cervical Cancer in Style scarves are showcased by Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and newest member of the Sugababes, Jade Ewen, in a series of striking images created specifically for the campaign.
To find more about cervical cancer and how to reduce their risk, girls and women can visit the campaign website, or speak to their GP or nurse.
