If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, hearing that you have or have had a cancer that can be prevented can be difficult. I and Jo’s truly understand how this could be the case especially during campaign weeks such as Cervical Cancer Prevention Week when our messaging around prevention gets much louder. So I wanted to take the time ahead of next week to explain why the week is so important.

If you’re an avid Coronation Street fan, you’ll be fully aware of the dramatic cervical cancer storyline unfolding on our screens. It’s a story that’s sparking conversation, so even if you aren’t glued to your TV it’s not unlikely that you’ll have heard about it.

This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week and we’re talking about cell changes.

A Jo’s survey in 2008 overwhelmingly showed that 98% women with cervical cancer wanted more person to person support and that their preferred choice of services were a helpline and local support groups.

Well, we do. A cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment and life beyond can certainly have some uplifting moments but girl those downward turns can really dig their nails into you! It’s quite common for women experiencing cervical cancer to feel overwhelmed and isolated and it’s at that point that a friend or family member can really make a difference.

Volunteering is a powerful tool. It can be a valuable resource, contribute to recovery or rehabilitation and satisfy a wide range of needs.

Last Friday the results of the annual National Cancer Patient Experience Survey were released. We are delighted to see that the vast majority of feedback from cancer patients is very positive and when asked to rate their care on a scale of 1 to 10 the average was 8.7 which is high.

"We like to get to know our volunteers pretty well before they ever take their first call or run their first group" with the next volunteer training weekend on the horizon, Rebecca explains why it's her favourite event of the year