24/01/2024
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.
Learn more about this disease and how attending cervical screening appointments can help to prevent cervical cancer development below.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix, which is the opening to the va**na from the womb, multiply and grow in an uncontrolled way.
Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding, or any other changes that aren't normal for you, including:
- bleeding or pain, during or after s*x
- bleeding after the menopause
- bleeding between periods
- changes to your va**nal discharge
- pain in the area between the hip bones
These are more likely to be signs of other common conditions - but it's still best to get them, or any other unusual changes, checked out.
Cervical screening
Screening is for people without symptoms. It looks for HPV infection in cells and early cell changes. Any abnormal cells can then be treated, which can stop cervical cancer from developing in the first place.
Cervical screening is available for most women and some trans men and non-binary people with a cervix. If you’re 25–64 and registered as female with the GP, you’ll be sent an invitation.
Even if you’ve been screened, it’s important to tell your doctor if you notice anything that’s not normal for you.
Learn about cervical cancer
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.