Cervical cancer prevention week is an annual campaign with the aim of educating people about cervical cancer. This includes the importance of regular screening and methods of prevention. This year the campaign will run from 19th -25th January.
Cervical cancer is a cancer that is found anywhere in the cervix (the canal that connects the uterus and vagina).
Symptoms include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding for example during or after sexual intercourse, between your periods or after the menopause
- Changes to vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis) or in your lower tummy
Cervical cancer is treatable if diagnosed in the early stages, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms. But having these symptoms does not mean you have cervical cancer, but it is important to find out what is causing them.
Cervical screening
It is therefore important to understand the importance of regular screening which the campaign aims to raise awareness of.
People with a cervix are invited for regular screening every 5 years from the ages of 25-64 (this was previously 3 years but has been increased due to the advances in screening).
Screening includes inserting a speculum into the vagina to take cell samples from the cervix. These cells are tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) if HPV is found the cells are screened for abnormal cells.
The test screens for HPV as over 99% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
If HPV is found, you will be invited for further screening in 1 years’ time. If HPV is still present after 2 years you will be asked to have a colposcopy. Similarly, if abnormal cells are found you will be invited to have a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a procedure in hospital to look closer at the cervix during a microscope.
Prevention week
The week aims to not only raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening but make people feel more comfortable in attending for screening.
Some helpful tips for when attending screening include:
- Asking for the door to be locked
- Taking a family member or friend with you
- Asking for a smaller more comfortable speculum
- Listening to music or reading a book
- Asking for a break
- Wearing a dress or skirt
Kirsty Dakin is a specialist medical negligence solicitor and says ‘Campaigns such as cervical cancer prevention week are so important to raise awareness of the importance of screening and to empower people to feel comfortable attending so that ultimately lives can be saved through early diagnosis.’
