According to Cancer Research UK, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women under 35. It is rare in women under the age of 25. 

In the UK, approximately 3000 women/year are diagnosed with cervical cancer- which is around eight women every day. 

Also, approximately 1000 women die from cervical cancer every year. 

What causes cervical cancer? Almost all cases are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can be passed on through any type of sexual contact. 

What are the Symptoms of cervical cancer? 

Cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages. 

If you do have symptoms, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between periods or after the menopause. 

Abnormal bleeding doesn’t mean that you definitely have cervical cancer, but it should be investigated by your GP as soon as possible. 

Other symptoms may be pain and discomfort during sex or unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge. 

If your GP thinks you might have cervical cancer, you should be referred to see a specialist within two weeks. The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious, and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage. This is why it’s very important that you attend all of your cervical screening appointments.

What is the Screening for cervical cancer? Over the course of many years, the cells on the surface of cervix undergo a changes called ‘pre-cancerous’ which may potentially become cancerous at a later date. 

These changes can be detected at a very early stage and treatment can reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing. The NHS offers a cervical screening programme (previously known as a “smear test”), to all women every 3 years from the age of 25 to 50 and every 5 years thereafter until age 65.

The test is very simple and takes less than five minutes with little or no discomfort. An abnormal cervical screening test doesn’t mean you definitely have cancer. 

You should be sent a letter confirming when your screening appointment is due. 

How can we treat Cervical Cancer? It is easy to successfully treat cervical cancer by a simple outpatient procedure called LETZ (Loop Excision of Transformation Zone of Cervix) to remove the abnormal cells on the cervix in its very early stages and this has no impact on fertility. 

Later stages may require hysterectomy and far advanced stages radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. 
What can you do to reduce your risk of cervical cancer? 

1.By Taking part in cervical screening:  Contact your GP if you think you may be overdue for screening or missed an earlier invite. 
There is no reason to fear this test and you can help prevent cervical cancer by participating in screening. Facilities for interpreter services, language line and option of a female professional are available within the NHS. You can also have the teat at Family planning, sexual health or well woman clinics.  The earlier the diagnosis, the better is the outcome.

2.By Stopping smoking: HPV virus has a higher predilection for smokers and therefore stopping smoking helps your body fight the virus and prevents infection and cervical cancer. Using condoms during sex, offers some protection against HPV, but it can’t always prevent infection, because the virus is also spread through skin-to-skin contact of wider genital area. 

3.By Consenting to your daughters or younger relatives in school to have the HPV vaccine (two injections six months apart) when they are in year eight will help prevent cervical cancer for the next generation. 
Since 2008, a HPV vaccine has been routinely offered to school girls aged 12 and 13. About 400 lives/ year are saved in the UK as a result of vaccinating girls before they are infected with HPV.
Understand about cervical cancer and make sure you adopt a healthy life style and take part in the HPV vaccination and cervical screening programme,  which can help prevent Cervical cancer. 

Dr Uma Krishnamoorthy, Consultant Gynaecologist, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust