My mum had cervical cancer. She sadly passed away due to complications with her body after the multiple sets of treatments and surgeries. This personal tragedy fuels my belief that the required age for smear tests should be lowered from 25 to 18. At 18, individuals are deemed adults, capable of making significant life decisions. It is only logical that they also have the opportunity to take control of their health, especially when it comes to preventive measures that could potentially save lives.

Women's health, particularly reproductive health, is notoriously under-researched and often overlooked. Yet, a staggering 74% of women report experiencing reproductive health issues related to menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. By lowering the age for smear tests, we can catch cervical abnormalities earlier and potentially reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.

Cervical cancer is a significant health issue that requires our immediate attention. According to Cancer Research UK, around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Early detection through regular smear tests is known to save lives, and by allowing young women access to this vital screening earlier, we could significantly diminish these numbers.

I urge policymakers to consider the evidence and recognize the necessity for change. Lowering the age for smear tests to 18 could empower young women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, leading to earlier detection of abnormalities and increased chances of successful treatment.

Help protect the health of young women by signing this petition to change the required age for smear tests to 18.