Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2024
Every day in the UK, 2 women lose their lives to cervical cancer and 9 more receive a life-changing diagnosis but did you know 99.8% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are preventable?
This cervical cancer prevention week, January 22 – 28, hopes to help educate people about cervical cancer, its prevention and the importance of regular screenings.
This week, we’re asking you to prioritise your cervical health and take steps to reduce the risk of this cancer so let’s start with some facts.
- Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer.
- The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus).
- It's part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
- Cervical cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix. It mostly affects those under the age of 45.
- Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- 8% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are caused by infections.
- 21% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking.
- It can often be prevented by attending cervical screening, which aims to find and treat changes to cells before they turn into cancer.
A person’s risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors (including some potentially avoidable lifestyle factors).
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer.
Dr Lalitha Iyer, GP and Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley, said:
“I can’t stress enough the importance of women having regular cervical screening.
“During the early stages, cervical cancer will not often have any symptoms and the best way for it to be detected is through screening. Any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix can be identified at an early stage and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing. Prevention is the key to improving survival rates and cervical screening will save lives.
“The test is usually carried out by a practice nurse. It is quick, simple and nothing to worry about. In around 95% of cases the test comes back normal and most abnormal cases are easily treated and will never develop into cancer if caught in time.”
Being aware of what's normal for you is also very important and if you experience any of the following, or are worried you should contact your health care team.
- vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to your vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
- If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
If you'd like to learn more you can visit Jos Cervical Cancer Trust