Dr Anita Mitra is an NHS doctor specialising in Obstetrics & Gynaecology better known online to her 150k followers as 'The Gynae Geek'. As well as being a full-time doctor, Anita’s mission is to provide reliable yet engaging healthcare information, educate and empower women about how their bodies work and cut through the nonsense about women's health. She has written for magazines such as Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan & Marie Claire, as well as appearing on TV shows such as ITV This Morning and radio shows like Woman’s Hour. Her first book 'The Gynae Geek: Your No-Nonsense Guide To Down-There Healthcare' was published in 2019. 

Karen Hobbs, a stand-up comedian became the nation’s (self-appointed) cervical cancer sweetheart after she was diagnosed with the disease at 24. Spreading the message about gynaecological health as widely as possible and, somehow, with humour, she has written articles for The Independent, The Huffington Post, iPaper, Glamour and The Telegraph. Karen has been interviewed by BBC Radio 1, Radio 4 Woman's Hour, Radio 5 Live, Sky News, BBC News, ITV News, London Live and The Evening Standard, taking every opportunity to squash the stigma that surrounds having a disease in between your legs. 

In this episode, Dr Anita goes through the exact process of a smear test, what the test is actually for, and how to prepare for it. We also discuss what to do if you get an abnormal result and Karen shares her own experience of being diagnosed including what her symptoms were. 

The views and opinions expressed are those of our guests. They do not reflect all views and beliefs, nor do they necessarily reflect or represent the official policy of Benefit Cosmetics. This episode contains references to cancer which may be triggering.

For more information on cervical cancer and the topics covered in this episode, please see below for links to resources including to our charity partner Look Good Feel Better. Look Good Feel Better helps boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with cancer through free online and face-to-face workshops, tutorials and information. You can call them on 01372 747 500 or email info@lgfb.co.uk or fundraising@lgfb.co.uk. 

Benefit UK https://www.instagram.com/benefitcosmeticsuk/

Dr Anita Mitra: https://www.instagram.com/gynaegeek/

Karen Hobbs: https://www.instagram.com/karen_hobbs/  

Look Good, Feel Better: https://lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/

Eve Appeal: www.eveappeal.org.uk // https://www.instagram.com/eveappeal/

The Ask Eve information service to ask any gynae cancer question: nurse@eveappeal.org.uk

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