Amber's law

If you are under 25 you can't have a cervical cancer smear test.
Even if you have cancer.
Even if you're dying from it.

What is a smear test? It is the collection of cells from the cervix to look for any abnormalities that could possibly lead to cancer.

In 2003, the age guideline for a woman's first test was increased from 20 years of age to 25.

But 1 in 50 women diagnosed are under 25.

Currently, your GP may allow you have have a smear test, but the lab that will analyse the test has the right to not analyse your results if you are under 25. Surely if your doctor suggests you should have a medical test it's for a reason?

This year, Amber Rose Cliff died of cervical cancer.
She was diagnosed at 21.
She visited the doctor over 20 times because she had severe sickness and bleeding, but was continually denied a smear test.
She was told her symptoms were due to the pill, hormones or a water infection.
She died in January at 25. 

Since her death her brother has started up a campaign called Amber's Law.

The campaign isn't saying that everyone between the ages of 18 and 25 will have to be screened, just that if you have reason to believe you may have cervical cancer and have visited the doctor twice then you can make an informed choice on whether to be screened or not.

More simply, you have the right to practice body autonomy.
Which should be a legal right. 

I would urge anyone reading this, if they have any symptoms they're not happy with or feel that something isn't right you should talk to your GP.
You are not wasting their time, it's what they're there for.
Remember that you know your body best.

You can sign Amber's Laws' petition here.
And here is a useful guide on the symptoms of cervical cancer. 

Have a beautiful day x
 

References:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4108688/Graduate-died-diagnosed-cervical-cancer-just-21-begged-doctors-smear-tests-told-young.html
https://www.change.org/p/the-government-lower-the-age-of-cervical-cancer-screening-to-18-for-high-risk-groups
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/lorraine-kelly-backs-calls-ambers-12462976
 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-health/11820318/Cervical-cancer-Should-women-be-allowed-screenings-before-25.html
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/about-cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer/symptoms
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/about-cervical-cancer/cervical-screening-smear-test-and-abnormal-cells/cervical-screening-under25