We don't talk about cervical screening as often as we should, maybe because we're embarrassed or because we don't know how to open up the conversation around the topic. But, it's really important that we do, so that we can encourage each other to attend when we’re invited. Regular screening - which only takes a few minutes – is really important as it can help stop cervical cancer before it starts. The test checks the health of your cervix to identify any potentially harmful cells which can then be treated before they get a chance to develop into cancer.

We spoke to four women about the importance of being open and talking about cervical screening. This is what they told us...

Fou Anastasiou, 45, told Closer: "I have to admit, I previously didn’t tend to talk about cervical screening with my friends. However, I read an online article which said that the number of women attending cervical screening was at a 20-year low, and when I found this out, I was shocked. Apparently one in four women don't attend their test when invited, which is a real shame considering it can save your life and you only have to go every 3 or 5 years depending on your age and it's free. All this made me want to encourage more women to attend, so now I try and make a real active effort to check in on my friends to see if they have attended their latest screening appointment and to encourage them to book an appointment with their GP - if they haven’t I’m happy to talk openly about my screening with them. After all, it's nothing to be embarrassed about - we're all women at the end of the day!"

Grace Isaac, 34, was made aware about the importance of speaking openly about cervical screening when she visited her local beauty salon, where the beautician told her they were involved in Treatwell’s new ‘Life Saving Wax’ campaign. This sees beauticians talking to their clients about the importance of cervical screening and providing women with information to take away with them. Grace said: "I went into my local beauty salon for waxing and the beautician started talking to me about cervical screening and telling me about the Life Saving Wax initiative. She told me how many women aren’t attending their screening and some of the reasons for this being embarrassment or fear of pain. She said that if I could handle the pain of a wax then a cervical screening is usually a lot easier - I hadn't thought of it in that way before. I think the initiative is a great idea and it definitely encouraged me to book in for my own screening, as I’d received my invitation - it's really important women talk about things like this as it can make us feel more comfortable about having the test."

Shanti Ayda, 30, revealed that she felt her Asian heritage made talking about screening all the more difficult. She felt that "there was definitely a lack of awareness about cervical cancer in my community, but also a sort of stigma. I always had the feeling that if I were to have an abnormal result after a test, it would shame my family, and that really put me off attending. In fact, I put off my screening for quite a few years before I decided to book it in. I had an appointment with my GP for something different, and she asked me if I had ever had a cervical screening, which gave me the opportunity to share my concerns and ask questions. She reassured me that it was important for women from all backgrounds and ethnicities to attend, and that it's nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. I also didn't really know much about what would happen during my appointment, so she talked me through the process which really put my mind at ease. I booked my appointment after chatting with her, and I'm so glad that I did as I am now more comfortable knowing I prioritised my health."

Gemma Mane, 40, told Closer that she thinks it's super important that women are open to talking about cervical screening. "I've got two really inquisitive teenage girls, and while it will be a few years before where they need to attend a screening, I want to educate them about it from early on so that they're not afraid, worried or embarrassed about attending their cervical screening appointment. Growing up, my mum was always really open with me and created a welcoming environment where I felt comfortable asking her questions about things like periods, cervical screening and sex. Now, I want to do the same for my children, so opening up the dialogue and answering any questions they have about my experience of screening is really important to me."

Cervical Screening Saves Lives. Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite and encourage the people that you love to make an appointment with their GP if they are overdue a test. Search ‘NHS cervical screening' or click here for more information. #CervicalScreeningSavesLives

A new Life Saving Wax initiative, in partnership with Treatwell, has been launched in beauty salons, across the country. Beauticians have been trained to open up the conversation on cervical screening and encourage women to look after themselves on the inside just as they do on the outside.