People are being urged to look out for the telltale signs of a sometimes “silent” cancer that is almost entirely preventable. Ahead of Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week, which starts on June 17, an expert has shared some of the potential symptoms of cervical cancer that should not be ignored.
As its name suggests, cervical cancer refers to cancer that’s found in the cervix – or in the opening between the vagina and the womb.
Around 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, resulting in around 850 deaths.
But, according to Cancer Research UK, 99.8 percent of cervical cancer cases are preventable.
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.
Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, Patient Claim Line’s litigation executive, Alexandra Penk, shared advice on the red-flag symptoms of cervical cancer.
She said: “According to Cervical Cancer UK, cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way.
“The cervix is part of the female reproductive system; more specifically, the opening to the vagina from the womb.
“Cervical cancer is not thought to be hereditary. In 99.7 percent of cases, cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
“HPV is a very common virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.
“According to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, around four in every five sexually active adults (80 percent) will be infected with some type of HPV in their lives. However, for the majority of women this will not result in cervical cancer.
“While HPV infection is common, cervical cancer is quite rare.”
To prevent cervical cancer, anyone at risk should:
- Attend cervical screening (smear test) when invited by their health practitioner
- Be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer and seeking medical advice if experiencing any symptoms
- Take up the HPV vaccination if aged 11 to 18 when offered
- Talk to family and friends to ensure they know how they can reduce their risk and prevent cancer from occurring
- Know where to find support locally and further information which will be widely available at your GP and local family planning clinic.
“This is why it is so important to raise awareness of cervical cancer; so people can take the right steps to prevent it where possible,” Alexandra said.
Red flag symptoms of cervical cancer
She shared four warning signs of cervical cancer to look out for.
“In our client’s experience, symptoms of cervical cancer include pain or discomfort during sex, vaginal discharge and pain in the pelvis,” Alexandra said.
“Another common symptom that we hear about is unusual vaginal bleeding such as bleeding between periods, during or after sex and at any time after your menopause.”
But the NHS also advises that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis.
It says on its website: “If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.”
However, not everyone with the disease will experience symptoms.
Alexandra said: “Ultimately, not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will display symptoms, so it’s crucial to attend regular cervical screening assessments.”
The NHS cervical screening programme is open to women aged between 25 and 64.
It is also available for anyone in this age range who have a cervix, including trans men and non-binary people.
Alexandra explained: “In England and Northern Ireland, you should expect to receive an invite every three years, if you are aged between 25 and 49.
“If you are aged between 50 and 64, expect to receive an invite every five years. If you live in Scotland or Wales, you will be invited for screening every five years, between the ages of 25 and 64.”