Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb. Unfortunately, there are approximately 3,200 people diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK and sadly there are around 850 deaths from the disease each year.
In the UK, 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable so, as with all cancers, the earlier you catch it, the better. It’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms so you can see a GP when necessary.
In light of Cervical Screening Awareness Week (20th-26th June), Kate Goodman, Senior Litigation Executive at Patient Claim Line has released advice on what the red-flag symptoms of cervical cancer are and what to do if you’ve received delayed treatment.
What is cervical cancer and how is it caused?
“Cervical cancer is found anywhere in the cervix which is the opening between the vagina and the womb. Most cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of HPV.”
What are the red flag symptoms of cervical cancer?
“You should seek an appointment with your GP if you’re experiencing any changes to vaginal discharge, bleeding or pain during or after sex, and lower back and/or lower abdominal pain.”
“If you notice any unusual vaginal bleeding such as bleeding between periods, after the menopause, or heavier periods than normal, this can be a sign of cervical cancer.”
“It is important to remember that just because you have a symptom that could be cervical cancer, this does not mean that you will have it. Many other common conditions have these symptoms but it is important that you still get checked; do not wait until your routine smear test.
What is the current screening programme?
“In England and Northern Ireland, women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for a cervical smear test every 3 years, with those over 50 invited every 5 years until they turn 64.”
“The smear test now tests for the HPV virus instead of testing for abnormal cells in the cervix. Studies have shown that HPV is often the cause of cervical cancer, so the presence of HPV can help predict whether a person may be at risk of developing cervical cancer.”
“If a person is found to have HPV, the sample is checked for signs of abnormal cells that may indicate cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cells. The results of this test may result in you having further tests at the hospital, or they may find that you do not need further tests and treatment at this time.”
“For women who test negative for HPV, there is no need for further testing and you can await your next smear test.”
How is cervical cancer treated?
“Treatment of cervical cancer will depend upon your individual situation, but may include chemotherapy or radiotherapy and potentially surgery such as a hysterectomy.”
How might smear tests change?
“In light of a recent study, it was found that it was likely safe for women who tested negative for HPV to wait 5 years between smear tests. This is already done in Scotland and Wales.”
“For many women, a change to 5 yearly smear tests would be very welcome though the importance of attending a smear test cannot be overstated.”
“Smear tests may also be required even less regularly for those women who have had the HPV vaccine. One study has indicated that there was a significant reduction in the number of cervical cancers in those who have had the vaccine. This could prompt a further change in cervical screening in the coming years.”
“Any reduction in the number of smear tests needed by women will no doubt be welcome. It will also have the added benefit of reducing the burden on overstretched GP surgeries where possible. However, for now, it is important that women continue to attend regular smear tests when invited, respond to any follow-up tests required after a smear test, and of course, attend their GPs if they have any symptoms they are worried about.”
