This week was cervical cancer prevention week in the UK. The #smearforsmear campaign was in full swing on social media, with women smearing their lipstick in aid of raising awareness. Often, for women in their twenties, the thought of attending a cervical screening leaves a little niggly feeling in the back of their mind. It is easy to put off making this little appointment, with many women feeling embarrassed, too busy, or just unaware of the importance. Hence, more and more women are failing to attend their screening, and could potentially be ignoring some small symptoms that could turn into a big problem.
Cervical cancer is therefore on the rise, and is the most common cancer in young women (1). With so much information out there, it can all feel a bit overwhemling, so I’ve written a simple ‘fact sheet’ style post to help anyone feeling uneasy. Let’s get educated and get screened!
Cervical cancer is therefore on the rise, and is the most common cancer in young women (1). With so much information out there, it can all feel a bit overwhemling, so I’ve written a simple ‘fact sheet’ style post to help anyone feeling uneasy. Let’s get educated and get screened!
What is cervical cancer?
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the womb, made up of muscle tissue (2). Its purpose is to direct blood flow during menstruation and also plays a role during pregnancy. Throughout a female’s life, the cells that line the surface of the cervix can change. These cells can be considered ‘pre-cancerous’ (may turn into cancer if left untreated) or ‘cancerous’.
The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which may encourage the cells of the cervix to change (3). Cervical cancer arises when the cells of the cervix begin to grow and change abnormally or uncontrollably.
The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which may encourage the cells of the cervix to change (3). Cervical cancer arises when the cells of the cervix begin to grow and change abnormally or uncontrollably.
If cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, a patient may need surgery to remove the cancer. In some cases, the womb may be removed. Radiotherapy can be used to treat early stage cancers, but for more advanced cases, this can be combined with chemotherapy. These treatments can have major, life-changing side effects, so the earlier the cancer can be caught, the better.
Who is at risk?
In the UK, the NHS provides a cervical screening programme for any woman registered with a GP surgery. Generally, this starts from the age of about 25, and occurs every 3-5 years until around 60 years of age. After this age (if no abnormalities have been found), you will not be automatically invited for screening, as it is unlikely for cells to develop into cancer at this later age (1).
Generally, all women above the age of 25 are at risk. It is often thought that only women who are sexually active may need to attend screening, but there is still a low risk for those who are not.
What is the purpose of screening?
Cervical cancer is PREVENTABLE. A screening test is used to investigate any early changes in the cells of the cervix, which can then be treated and dealt with to PREVENT cancer from developing. In the early stages, women may experience no symptoms of cervical cancer at all (symptoms can be found through the links at the end of this post). To ease any anxiety, abnormal findings may not immediately indicate cancer, and some changes can return to normal on their own.
How does the screening work?
When the time comes, your GP surgery should send you a letter prompting you to book your screening test. A screening test can be arranged with your GP surgery or sexual health clinic. The test itself only lasts for around 5 minutes. In simple terms, a healthcare professional will take a small sample of cells from the cervix, and will preserve them in a fluid. These cells will then be examined under a microscope to check for any abnormalities. Rest assured that you can request a female healthcare professional, and if you are unsure of anything, you may ask any questions you need.
How effective is screening?
The short answer is… VERY. For the vast majority of women, screening can prevent cervical cancer; it is estimated that the NHS saves around 5,000 women’s lives a year in England due to screening (1). A 5 minute appointment could prevent a lifetime of issues. However, no test is 100% perfect, but regular screening is the most effective way of keeping your cervix in check!
So, although it may be something that has been pushed to the bottom of your to do list, reading this post has probably taken the same amount of time as your screening test would! Get yours in the diary!
Sources & Further Reading
1. Macmillan
2. Jo's Trust
3. NHS
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