Talking about cervical cancer is often avoided, but it’s very important to be clued up on the causes and symptoms of this often taboo topic.
There are many misconceptions about this largely preventable disease, so ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 22-28) we have spoken to leading gynae cancers charity The Eve Appeal about everything from causes, to vaccines to treatments.
This annual awareness week serves as a reminder to prioritise cervical health and take steps to reduce the risk of this form of cancer, so here are six crucial things everyone should know about it…
1. Most cases are caused by infection with HPV
“Most cervical cancers are caused by a persistent infection with some high-risk strains of a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV),” explains Helen Hyndman, nurse service co-ordinator at The Eve Appeal. “This is a common virus which can infect the skin, cervix, vagina, vulva (the skin of the lips surrounding the vagina and clitoris), anus or lining of the mouth and throat.
“HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact so anyone who has had penetrative sex, oral sex, touched a genital area or shared sex toys, even once, is at risk of HPV.”
2. Smoking increases your risk
“Smokers are twice as likely to get cervical cancer,” says Hyndman. “This is because smoking impacts the immune system and makes it less able to clear HPV.”
3. Cervical cancer is preventable
Around 3,250 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK, according to The Eve Appeal
In November 2023, NHS England pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making it as easier for people to get the HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening uptake.
“The HPV vaccine has been shown to reduce the number of cervical cancers by 90%,” says Hyndman. “All young people are offered the HPV vaccine in year 8 as part of the school’s vaccination programme or, if you miss this, you can get the HPV vaccine from your GP, free up until the age of 25, or up to 45 if you are considered to be in a higher risk group.
“Alternatively, after the age of 25, you can pay for this privately, up until the age of 45.”
It is also very important for people to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited.
“Cervical screening is a test to help prevent cervical cancer,” explains Hyndman. “It looks for high-risk HPV, and if it is present, cell changes.
“These cell changes aren’t cancer but could turn into cancer over time. If cell changes are found, they can be treated or monitored to stop them turning into cancer.”
4. Cervical screenings are free on the NHS for most women
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2022-2023 annual report found that 68.7% of 25 to 64 year-olds had attended screening within the recommended period of time, compared to 69.9% the previous year.
“Cervical screening is available free on the NHS for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England,” highlights Hyndman. “The screening is usually done by a female nurse who will explain what they are going to do and give the opportunity for questions before they start.”
5. Unusual bleeding is a red flag
“The main symptoms of cervical cancer are bleeding during or after sex (however slight), in-between periods; after the menopause (when there has been no period for 12 months or more),” says Hyndman. “Other symptoms include pain during sex; changes to vaginal discharge and/or unexplained pain in the lower back or abdomen.
“There are many reasons for these symptoms, other than cervical cancer, but it is always better to get any changes checked by your GP, even if you have recently had a clear cervical screening test.”
6. Cervical cancer is curable if detected early
“The earlier cervical cancer is caught, the more treatment options there are and the best possible chance someone will have of successful treatment,” emphasises Hyndman.
“There are lots of factors to consider when treating cervical cancer; the most common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemoradiation (chemotherapy and radiotherapy together) and immunotherapy.”
