To reduce the number of people diagnosed it’s essential for all women to be aware of the facts about cervical cancer and other gynaecologic cancers. Here are 9 facts you should know about cervical cancer:
1. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread by skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. While most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, only a small percentage of women will develop cervical cancer.
2. HPV is a common virus with many types
There are more than 200 types of HPV. Some are low-risk and cause conditions like genital warts, but types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.
3. HPV causes other types of cancers too
HPV isn’t limited to causing cervical cancer. It can also lead to cancers of the anus, vagina, penis, and some types of mouth and throat cancers.
4. Your immune system can clear HPV
In most cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV infections naturally. However, people who smoke or have weakened immune systems are at greater risk of the infection persisting, which can lead to cancer.
5. Early detection is key with cervical smear tests
Cervical smear tests detect high-risk HPV in women and check for early changes in their cervical cells before they become cancerous. If detected early, these changes are highly treatable. HPV vaccinations are a way to prevent HPV infections from occurring in the first place, and are most effective for girls and young women before they become sexually active
Learn more: Is the HPV vaccine safe?
6. Cervical cancer takes time to develop
Cervical cancer usually takes years to develop, which means there’s plenty of time to catch it early. When detected early, it can often be treated with outpatient procedures or a colposcopy, offering a good survival rate.
7. Screening guidelines for women
Regular cervical screenings are crucial for early detection. Women aged 25 to 29 should get screened every 3 years, while women aged 30 to 65 should be screened every 5 years. Make sure you’re signed up to the CervicalCheck register to get reminders for when your next screening test is due.
8. Symptoms of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer symptoms can be subtle, especially in the early stages. Watch out for:
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Heavier periods than usual
- Unexplained pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
9. Effective treatments for advanced cervical cancer
When cervical cancer progresses to more advanced stages, there are several effective treatment options available, including:
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Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue
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Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
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Chemotherapy to shrink or kill the cancer
Importance of cervical health
Cervical health is crucial for women’s overall well-being and reproductive health. Infections like HPV can lead to serious complications, including infertility, pregnancy complications, and even cervical cancer.
To reduce your risk of cervical cancer, make sure to:
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Get vaccinated against HPV
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Stop smoking
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Use condoms during intercourse
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Attend regular cervical smear tests
If you'd like to speak to one of our GPs about getting vaccinated you can arrange a telephone consultation via our HPV Vaccination Service.
