Information about cervical cancer everyone should know
Signs, symptoms and risk factors for cervical cancer, from a cancer nurse specialist
In this article, Perci Health's lead Cancer Nurse Specialist, Rachel Rawson, offers key information about cervical cancer that everyone should know, including risk factors, and signs and symptoms.
About cervical cancer
Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer. Its most common in women between the ages of 3035 but can happen at any age. The cervix is the opening from the top of the vagina to the womb-sometimes called the neck of the womb. The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus HPV. There are many different types of HPV. Most are harmless but some can cause abnormal cell changes that may develop into cervical cancer. HPV can be passed on through close skin to skin contact, usually during sex, vaginal, anal or oral and sharing sex toys.
At the early stage, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms and is usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is more common in younger women. The main causes are HPV, smoking and there is some evidence that being overweight or obese might also increase the risk.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Talk to your General Practitioner if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, including after the menopause, after sex, or between
regular periods - Changes to vaginal discharge
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Unexplained pain in your lower back or pelvis
Reduce your risk of cervical cancer
During a cervical screening test (also called a smear test) a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix. Rather than testing for cancer itself, cervical screening tests for HPV, which may turn into cancer if left untreated. All eligible people automatically receive a letter from their GP inviting them to attend for screening.
Anyone with a cervix between ages 25 and 64 is eligible, which includes many trans men and/or non-binary people. Some trans men and/or non-binary people may have had gender confirmation surgery that involves removing the cervix, so screening will no longer be required. Trans women do not need cervical screening.
The below table shows at what age and how often you will be invited for screening.
HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is offered to all children aged 1213. You can still access the vaccine if you missed it and you are a female under 25 or a male born after 1 September 2006. If you are a man under 45 who has sex with men and you attend a sexual health clinic you can get vaccinated against HPV.
