By Prosper Mene
In a country where cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, a bold, fun, and powerful movement is changing the narrative. The #SMEARIT Campaign, spearheaded by the Exquisite Magazine Cancer Care (EMAC) Foundation, is lighting up social media feeds and communities across Nigeria, turning awareness into action and saving lives through early detection and prevention.
Cervical cancer is preventable. Yet, every year, thousands of Nigerian women are diagnosed, with many losing their lives due to late detection. According to the World Health Organisation, over 300,000 women die globally from this disease annually, the majority in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria where access to screening and vaccination remains a challenge. The culprit? Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). But here’s the good news: with HPV vaccination, regular screening (Pap smears, HPV testing, or Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid – VIA), and timely treatment of pre-cancerous cells, cervical cancer can be stopped in its tracks.
Enter the #SMEARIT Campaign – a creative, stigma-busting initiative that has been igniting nationwide advocacy since its launch.
Founded by Dr. Tewa Onasanya, the driving force behind Exquisite Magazine and the EMAC Foundation, the campaign uses a simple yet unforgettable challenge to get everyone talking: Smear lipstick on your face, snap a photo or video, post it on social media with #SMEARIT, tag @emac_cervicalcancerfoundation, and challenge your friends to do the same. Men are encouraged to join the movement too –by holding up a #SMEARIT sign – because prevention is everyone’s business.
“Cervical cancer is preventable, yet too many women lose their lives due to late detection. Through this free screening initiative and the #SmearIt campaign, we are encouraging women to get screened, learn about HPV prevention, and spread awareness. Early detection saves lives,” says Dr. Tewa Onasanya.
The campaign has partnered with brands like Amali Cosmetics to offer free cervical cancer screenings in key areas such as Jakande, Lagos, especially around Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January) and World Cancer Day (February 4). These efforts include education sessions, HPV vaccination drives, and on-ground screenings that have already reached thousands of women. The goal? To normalise conversations, break down myths (no, it doesn’t only affect certain women, and screening isn’t painful or scary), and make prevention accessible nationwide.
How You Can Join the #SMEARIT Movement Today:
Smear your lipstick (or hold the sign if you’re a guy) and take a fun selfie or video.
Post it with #SMEARIT and tag @emac_cervicalcancerfoundation.
Challenge 5–10 friends to join – the more, the merrier!
Visit www.smearitafrica.com to find screening centres near you, book a free or low-cost test, or learn more about the HPV vaccine.
Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or any corner of the country, your small action creates a powerful ripple. Awareness leads to screening. Screening leads to early detection. Early detection saves lives – and entire families.
Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With #SMEARIT, Nigeria is rising to eliminate it.
Small action. Powerful impact. Cervical cancer is preventable.
