The NHS has come under fire for a 'bizarre' advert promoting cervical screenings which suggested women could 'listen to Harry Styles' during the procedure. A poster featuring Great British Bake Off star Laura Adlington referencing the former One Direction superstar was spotted by baffled onlookers in a gym in London. Bold white text with a pink background read: 'I'm going to listen to Harry Styles next time I have my cervical screening.'.

The poster was to promote Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which took place last week from January 20 to 26. It has since gone viral on social media but not everyone was convinced by the message, with some branding it 'bizarre' and 'cringe'. However, others praised it for raising awareness around the importance of cervical screening tests, especially amongst Gen Z, and said it would 'save lives'. The poster has attracted much amused reaction online, with many making jokes about it.

One person said: 'What if we kissed in front of the harry styles cervical cancer screening poster.'. The NHS has come under fire for a 'bizarre' advert promoting cervical screenings which suggested women could 'listen to Harry Styles ' during the process. Another posted it on the r/Harry Styles Reddit thread, saying: 'A friend saw this today in London and our group chat is baffled? What are we missing here?.

'Are there some lyrics that could reference this? Has Harry campaigned for smear tests?? Please help.'. One person wrote: 'This ad is dumb';. 'It’s just NHS marketing team spending ridiculous amounts of money on another cringe theme campaign';. 'Bizarre campaign but for anything that will encourage people to get their smears done! Also why is it the lady from bake off ?!';. However, others said: 'Ngl seeing his name would grab my attention';.

'Honestly, a pap smear test is a super uncomfortable procedure. And listening to music you like can help relax and take your mind off';. 'Lowkey this poster probably saved lives if we think about it.'. Bake Off star Laura Adlington said that she would 'listen to Harry Styles' next time she had a cervical screening, previously known as a 'smear test'. The poster has gone viral on social media, with people saying they were 'baffled' by it.

British singer Styles, 30, has a vast fanbase and is best known for hits including Watermelon Sugar and As It Was, as well as being a former member of One Direction. Pictured in 2023. Cervical screenings - which used to be called a 'smear test' - are a free NHS health test offered to women and all people with a cervix between the age of 25 to 64. They can help prevent cervical cancer by checking for human papillomavirus (HPV) which can be passed on through sexual contact.

Currently across London, only 58 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds attend their cervical screening, with the attendance significantly higher for 50 to 64-year-olds at 70 per cent. In a bid to raise participation rates, the NHS promotes the importance of the test through an annual awareness week. This year's campaign aimed to debunk misconceptions around cervical screening including tips to help you feel more comfortable during your appointment, such as listening to your own music - which could include tunes by Harry Styles.

In a promotional video, Laura Adlington, 35, joked: 'I'm going to bring in some Harry Styles next time I have my cervical screening. I think that would make it so much better. 'Watermelon sugar high! That goes down very well.'. British singer Styles, 30, has a vast fanbase and is best known for hits including Watermelon Sugar and As It Was, as well as being a former member of One Direction. All woman between the ages of 25 and 64 are advised to attend regular cervical screenings and should receive invitation letters in the post.

The screening, which tests for the presence of human papillomavirus ( HPV ) - the virus that causes cervical cancer - is thought to save about 5,000 lives every year in the UK. Bake Off star Laura Adlington and Dr Nighat Arif have teamed up with the NHS to promote cervical cancer prevention week. Laura, who was a finalist on the Great British Bake Off in 2020, advocated for listening to Harry Styles during a cervical screening.

Cervical cancer affects the lining of the lower part of womb. The most common symptom is unusual bleeding, such as between periods, during sex or after the menopause, but other signs can include:. Causes can include:. Source: Cancer Research UK. Between the age of 25 to 49, women should receive one every three years, and every five years from age 50 to 64. When you're aged 65 or older, you only need one if a recent test was abnormal.

It comes after it was revealed Women are needlessly suffering agonising pain during cervical screening tests because they fail to ask for simple adjustments that can make the procedure far more comfortable, experts have warned. Using lubrication, a smaller speculum and allowing a patient to insert the tool themselves can all ease the pain. However, as few as one in ten women are aware they are permitted to ask their NHS healthcare professional for such changes, according to a poll by The Eve Appeal - the UK's leading gynaecological cancer charity.