Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers afflicting women which is why we are dedicated to raising awareness and education around this disease and reminding ladies to book their smear tests.

  • 2 Women lose their lives to the disease every day
  • 9 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day
  • 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by cervical screening (smear tests)

How can you reduce your risk of cervical cancer?

The most effective measures for preventing cervical cancer are cervical screening and the HPV vaccination. Additionally, implementing certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Please click on the link below to read all about cervical cancer screening, including when you will be called, what you can expect, and how to book.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells arise in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. When found early during regular screening, treatment is generally effective and many people with this cancer can be cured. More advanced disease is harder to treat, which is why regular screening is a key component of the effort to eradicate cervical cancer.

For a general guide about cervical cancer please take a look at the booklet below from Jo’s Trust.

Who gets cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can affect anyone possessing a cervix. It is the third most common malignancy in women worldwide and usually develops in midlife, with most cases occurring among women younger than 50, although more than 15 percent of cases occur in women older than 65. This cancer is rarely seen in women younger than 20.

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

The main cause of cervical cancer is HPV infection. There are more than 100 types of HPV, but only a small number are linked to cancer; some other HPV types cause genital warts. About a dozen types are considered high-risk, or cancer-causing. Sexual contact is a common way to get HPV, but this can also occur through nonsexual skin-to-skin contact. For more information on the HPV vaccine please click HERE.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, having chlamydia (a sexually transmitted infection), giving birth multiple times, oral contraceptive use, being overweight and a family history of cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Early cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cell changes don’t usually have symptoms and not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms, that’s why it’s important to attend regular cervical screening.

Symptoms that may suggest cervical cancer but could also be due to other health conditions include:

  • Increased discharge from the vagina.
  • A change in the colour or odour of vaginal discharge.
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods.
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Bleeding after sex.
  • Lower back pain.
  • Difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control.
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)

There are many other conditions that cause these symptoms. Most of them are much more common than cervical cancer. However, you should see your doctor if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, or any of the other symptoms mentioned here. Although your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer, it is important to get them checked.

When it comes to crafting a treatment plan for cervical cancer, it is essential to consider various factors unique to your situation. These factors could include the stage of your cancer, the size and location of the tumour, as well as your overall health and preference. Consequently, your comprehensive treatment plan may encompass a combination of surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is often one of the primary treatment options for cervical cancer.

For tips on spotting cervical cancer early please take a look at the leaflet from Cancer Research UK below.

Further information and support can be found at the following websites: