Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

If you or someone a loved one has suffered from cervical cancer, you will know how important it is to attend your cervical screening appointments.

The screening programme is the best way of detecting cervical cell changes, yet attendance levels are still much lower than they should be, with one in three people choosing not to attend. Cervical screening is available for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and all eligible people who are registered with a GP automatically receive an invitation by mail. Trans men (who are assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations, but are still entitled to a screening if they have a cervix. People aged 25-49 receive invitations every 3 years and people who are aged 50-64 every 5 years.

The screenings are used to test for human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix. If HPV is found, a cytology test is used as a triage, to check for abnormal cells. If no abnormal cells are found, a follow up screen is arranged for 12 months’ time to make sure the immune system has cleared the virus. However, if HPV is not found, the individual will be offered a screening test again in 3 to 5 years (this is age dependent).

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Worryingly, symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious and they can go undetected. Some symptoms can include changes to your vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you, pain during sex and pain in your lower back or your lower stomach. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, try not to worry as cervical cancer is rare but it’s always best to get checked out. Any concerns you have can be discussed with your local GP.

The campaign to end Cervical Cancer

This year for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Jo’s Cervical Cancer trust, the only UK charity supporting those affected by cervical cancer, have launched their biggest ever campaign – to end cervical cancer.

The tools to make cervical cancer a thing of the past. HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment for cell changes can all help prevent it but, as Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust point out, awareness and uptake needs to increase, along with the funding to do so.

We also agree with Jo’s Cervical Trust in wanting to see government commitments to elimination, with strategies to make sure that no-one is missed out or left behind. This means tackling inequalities in cervical cancer prevention, ensuring the technology and workforces we needed are in place, and researching better and more effective ways to prevent cancer.

You can find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved by clicking here.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by clinical negligence relating to a cervical cancer diagnosis and would like advice from our expert legal team, please contact us.