The simple salon chat that could end up saving a life

But while they make time for hair and nail appointments, too often she sees women postponing or completely overlooking essential health checks and visits to the doctor.

November 17 to 23 is Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. In Australia, it's the 13th most common cancer affecting women.

Ms Johnston, a Dubbo hairdressing apprentice, has joined forces with Cancer Council NSW, Western NSW Local Health District and the Western NSW Primary Health Network to emphasise the importance of regular cervical screening.

The ambassador is using the week to raise awareness of cervical cancer among her clients.

Western NSW Local Health District women's health nurse, and Ms Johnston's mum, Joanne Phillips said in 2021, 851 Australians were diagnosed with cervical cancer, most of whom had never been screened or were overdue for screening.

"Indigenous women in Australia face a disproportionate burden, being twice as likely to develop cervical cancer and around four times as likely to die from it when compared with non-Indigenous women," Ms Phillips said.

She said almost all cervical cancer cases were caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact.

About 80 per cent of people will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime.

"Because HPV often has no symptoms, both HPV vaccination and routine cervical screening play essential roles in preventing cervical cancer.

Women, and people with a cervix, aged 25 to 74 who do not have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or abnormal discharge are eligible for self-collection.

"Self collection allows you to take your own vaginal swab using a thin cotton swab to collect a sample... This option can help reduce feelings of discomfort, shame or embarrassment that some people experience with clinician-collected tests," Ms Phillips said.

The test is just as accurate as a clinician-collected sample.

If HPV is found in the sample, further testing is then undertaken by a clinician.

Having a mum who is a women's health nurse means for years Ms Johnston has been aware of the importance of cervical screening. But now she's hoping to spread that awareness to her clients at Studio 62.

"As an ambassador I can use my voice - and the everyday conversations I have in the salon - to break down barriers to screening and start meaningful discussions on cervical screening. [I want to] encourage people to prioritise their well-being and book the appointments they have been putting off," Ms Johnston said.

"If I inspire even one person to get screened then it's more than worth it."

As well as talking to her clients, Ms Johnston also has lip glosses at the salon to demonstrate what the self-collection swab looks like.

"Take this opportunity to learn more about the self-collection cervical screening test - especially if you have a hair appointment booked this week. Chat with your friends about the test and ask whether they're up-to-date with their screening," she said.

To make an appointment for a cervical screening test, call a women's health nurse on 1800 008 422, or contact your usual healthcare provider.

Ms Phillips said with continued HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening and collective action, Australia was on track to effectively eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.