A CARDIGAN salon is offering women the chance of a free bikini wax provided they can prove they have had a smear test.

Ffion Jones, who runs Ffion’s beauty Boutique, on Priory Street, is keen to break the stigma which surrounds the potentially life-saving test.

New figures have revealed a third of women aged under 30 are snubbing invites to be tested for cervical cancer, health officials in Wales have warned, despite the disease being the most common cancer for younger women.

All woman in Wales from the age of 25 to 49 are invited to take part in the screening programme every three years, with those between 50 and 64 tested every five years.

Ffion said: “I had seen an advert that some salons were offering a free bikini wax if women provide proof of having a smear test.

“I have talked to the health centre in town and they told me about the low take up so I have decided to try to raise awareness of the issue.

“I know we all get embarrassed or feel uncomfortable but the nurses have seen it all before and it’s an everyday thing. It’s so worrying that that take-up rate is so low.

“I would urge all women to go for a smear. It only takes five minutes and it could save your life.

“If you have a smear test done at the health centre, they will then give you proof that you have had it and you will be able to have a free bikini wax.”

The cervical screening test aims to pick up changes early that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.