Cervical Cancer Prevention Week - six things you might not know about the disease

While it can often feel like a difficult topic to discuss, it's vital to be aware of the causes, risks and symptoms of cervical cancer.

None of us will go through our lives untouched in some way by cancer, and it's important to educate ourselves, particularly on lesser discussed types of the disease.

This largely preventable condition comes with lots of misconceptions, and this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which runs until January 27, gynae cancers charity The Eve Appeal have shared some advice on causes, vaccines and treatments.

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There are six vital things to know about cervical health that can reduce this too-common type of cancer.

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 is at risk of developing it.

2. Smoking increases your risk

It's common knowledge that smoking increases your risk of developing 70 cancers, and this is no different when it comes to cervical cancer.

“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.

NHS England pledged in 2023 to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making it simpler for people to get the HPV vaccination, and by increasing cervical screening uptake.

“The HPV vaccine has been shown to reduce the number of cervical cancers by 90 per cent,” 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 crucial to attend your cervical screening appointments when you're invited for one, which can help diagnose the disease.

“[Cervical screenings] look 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 per cent of 25 to 64 year-olds had attended screening within the recommended period of time, compared to 69.9 per cent 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."

While there could be other explanations for these symptoms, it's always best to see your GP if you notice any unusual bleeding patterns or pain.

6. Cervical cancer is curable if detected early

The earlier cervical cancer is caught, the more treatment options are available.

“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,” Hyndman adds.

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, raise awareness by talking to friends and family about the condition or by posting on social media.

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