A beautician from Weymouth has joined the ranks of hair and beauty salons across Dorset aiming to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers.

Kim Hill, who operates Kim Hill Beauty from Belissima Hair Salon in Weymouth, said urgent action is needed to increase support for women suffering with this type of cancer.

She is supporting the GO Girls cancer support group in their mission to encourage women to talk more openly about their health.

Kim, 34, said: "As a young woman, with a young daughter, I began to realise that unless we take action now to fundraise to support awareness of gynaecological cancers, it may be too late for our daughters – I don’t want that for my daughter."

According to the GO Girls, gynaecological cancers account for just less than half of all breast cancers with 21,000 cases being diagnosed annually. However, gynaecological cancers have struggled to receive support and funding to help improve survival rates.

Survival in ovarian cancer shown little improvement over the last 20 years and with cervical screening uptake at a 20 year low, this potentially puts women at increased risks of developing cervical cancer.

Hilary Maxwell, GO Girls chairman, said: "We know that for many women discussing matters that affect their intimate health is difficult.

"Yet many women will go to a beautician for treatment, such as bikini waxing, so this is an ideal environment for women to pick up information on gynaecological health and be sign posted to charities such as GO Girls to receive the correct advice and support and learn to talk more openly about their female health.

"For many years, women did not talk about breast cancer, but since the late 1970’s we saw an explosion in awareness and consequently due to increased funding, survival has improved significantly – we want this for women with their gynaecological health too, where survival is lagging depressingly behind."

Kim is running a sweepstake fundraiser, with either a hot stone or full body warm bamboo massage up for grabs. To enter, head into Belissima in William Street, Weymouth, to purchase a square on the grid.

With Cervical Cancer Awareness Week taking place this week from June 10 until June 16, the GO Girls say this is an ideal chance for all women to show their support and help promote gynaecological health.