#SmearForSmear goes viral: Women smear lipsticks to raise awareness for cervical cancer

Ever thought that day would come when the ice bucket challenge would become passe? Well it has. The latest hashtag to go viral is #SmearForSmear.

The new campaign is being run by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and aims to raise awareness about cervical cancer among young women.

This campaign has asked women world over to post selfies on social media once they have had their pap smear tests- that helps detect cervical cancer, in a bid to encourage others to book appointments with their doctors.

This campaign was launched following reports that the number of young women diagnosed with cervical cancer has gone up drastically in the last decade. According to the Daily Express , cases of the disease in women aged 25 to 29 have soared by 59.2 per cent over the last 10 years.

By posting an image of yourself online, with lipstick smeared all over your face, and using the hashtag #SmearForSmear, the campaign urges women to attend their smear tests regularly and help catch cervical cancer early on.

Models Gorgia May Jagger and Rita Ora have already started off this viral trend. Here’s a look at some of the selfies.

Use selfies in positive way! #SmearForSmear raises awareness of cervical cancer @JoTrust Smudge lipstick, spread word pic.twitter.com/HBvyOuMe6N

— kristenaldridge (@kristenaldridge) January 30, 2015

#SmearforSmear invade Instagram: labial corrido para luchar contra cáncer de cuello de útero http://t.co/zBbWW00Bu8 pic.twitter.com/0dM9E1SKkK

— Gonzoo (@gonzoonews) January 29, 2015

Get behind the #SmearforSmear campaign and help fight cervical cancer http://t.co/N13RPVBZSE pic.twitter.com/V6W4JKVjLu

— Her.ie (@Herdotie) January 29, 2015

#SmearForSmear now to raise awareness of the importance of attending your #smeartest & nominate your friends pic.twitter.com/v2UCF0HTM1

— Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (@JosTrust) January 25, 2015