What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the cervix, the opening between the vagina and the womb, which can develop into cancer. Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer, but it is most common in women aged between 30 and 35. This is why the NHS introduced targeted Cervical Screen in the UK, to detect the HPV virus (human papillomavirus) which is predominantly the cause of cervical cancer. In this article we aim to give you the facts around cervical cancer, set out exactly what to expect at your cervical screening, and how you can reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Week runs from 15-21st June and aims to educate women on the importance of cervical screening, to eliminate this form of cancer. This article aims to deepen that understanding, and answer any questions you may have.
Facts about Cervical Cancer
- Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women
- Women with HIV are 6 times more likely to experience cervical cancer – this is because the lowered immune system struggles to clear the HPV virus if contracted
- A worldwide initiative aims to eliminate cervical cancer by:
- Vaccinating 90% girls by the age of 15 years old
- Screening at least 70% women aged 35-45 (those at highest risk)
- Effectively treating 90% women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer
- Cervical screening can prevent 75% cases of cervical cancer, and save around 5,000 lives every year
Source: WHO
In recent news, it was announced that cervical cancer deaths were reduced to zero between 2020 and 2024 due to the HPV vaccine in teenage boys and girls. This means young women now have ‘close to zero’ risk of cervical cancer death, which shows the power of global initiatives.
Symptoms and Causes of Cervical Cancer
The symptoms of cervical cancer include an unusual level of vaginal bleeding for you – this may happen during or after sex, in between your periods or after menopause. Experiencing heavier periods can also indicate the presence of cancer. You may experience pain during sex, or changes to your discharge. Some people also report lower back or hip pain.
Some of these symptoms are common if you live with endometriosis or fibroids, so it’s important to attend cervical screenings if you can to identify if further monitoring or treatment is required.
In over 99% cases, cervical cancer is caused by HPV – which is a virus which can be found on the cervix. Early detection of the virus can vastly reduce your risk of this developing into cancer. If you smoke, or have sexual intercourse without a barrier contraceptive you can also be more likely to contract HPV, and subsequently cervical cancer.
What is Cervical Screening?
If you are a woman aged between 25 and 64 in the UK, you may be invited to attend a cervical screening with the NHS. These usually take place at your local GP or clinic, and can take as little as a few minutes for an experienced practitioner. The test is usually carried out by a female practitioner, and you can request a chaperone from the GP if you need, or request to take a friend or family member with you for support.
The process of a cervical screening test (commonly known as a ‘smear test’) involves lying back, while a nurse takes a sample from your cervix. The process involves inserting a speculum into the vagina, which can be a little uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. This enables to the practicioner to view your cervix. As hard as it may be, try to relax! They will take a swab from the cervix area, and remove the speculum. This should only take a few minutes. You should receive the results in the post within a few weeks.
You will be invited automatically for your first screening, and thereafter every 5 years. If you experience issues in between screenings, however, you should visit your GP sooner.
What to do if your Cervical Screen shows ‘abnormal cells’
First of all – well done for joining the cervical screening tribe! If you’ve received an abnormal result, try not to worry. This isn’t an indication that you’re going to get cervical cancer. What this means however, is that your tests have revealed abnormal cells on your cervix, which need to be monitored. In 99.8% cases, these abnormal cells are caused by HPV. Your body will usually clear these naturally within 1-2 years.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is the collective term used for around 100 viruses, 30 of which are transmitted sexually. You may have contracted HPV a long time ago, as it can lie dormant in the body for many years before ‘flaring up’. So if you’re in a long term relationship which is monogamous, either you or your partner may have carried the infection from a far previous relationship – it doesn’t indicate infidelity.
HPV is very common, and can go unnoticed as it rarely causes any noticeable symptoms. Early detection of HPV means you can be more closely monitored, which means any changes to your cervix can be identified and treated early to reduce the chances of it developing into cancerous cells.
What happens after HPV is detected?
If HPV is detected, you will be invited for an annual Cervical Screening to see whether your body has naturally cleared the virus. If you get the all clear, it’s back to normal for you.
In some cases HPV is still detected, so you may be invited for a further test called a Colposcopy. This is very similar to a cervical smear, but usually takes place in a hospital or specialist centre. The gynaecologist will use a speculum to reveal the cervix, and use a special liquid to show any abnormalities. These are recorded and they may take a biopsy for further testing. This shouldn’t be too painful, but you may feel some cramping afterwards. Depending on your biopsy results, you may be invited to discuss treatment options or for an annual colposcopy to monitor the cervix.
If the abnormal cells have developed since your last colposcopy, you may be offered further treatment to remove them. It’s important to remember that if you are invited for a colposcopy, this is a preventative measure and doesn’t mean you have – or will get – cervical cancer. This is an important process that could save your life.
At the end of the day, cervical screenings aren’t pleasant. But they do offer an important way for you to help reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer, and living a healthier, longer life.
Cervical Cancer Treatment
If you develop cervical cancer, it may be that you require further treatment. Treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted medicines or immunotherapy. You will be referred to a specialist who will discuss treatment options suitable for you, to help prevent and remove the cancerous cells.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 2 out of 3 women with cervical cancer survive for another 10 years or more, and medical advances have hugely increased survival rates since the 1970s.
Can HPV be prevented?
As cervical cancer is predominantly caused by HPV which is contracted through sexual intercourse, the main way to prevent the cancer is to limit exposure to the virus. The preventative measures include barrier contraceptives such as condoms or femidoms, or voluntary male circumcision. If you are a non-smoker, your risk of cervical cancer is also significantly lower.
Further Information
The World Health Organisation is leading the charge to eliminate Cervical cancer – find out more here. They have also named 17th November as ‘Cervical Cancer Elimination Day’ to strengthen global efforts against this highly treatable cancer.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Week runs from 15-21st June every year, and aims to educate women on how they can minimise their risk of cervical cancer, and join the screening process for early detection. Get involved or find out more:
