Around 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK and tragically, there are around 850 deaths from the disease annually.
In the UK, a staggering 99.8 per cent of cervical cancer cases are preventable, so catching it early is crucial. It's vital to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms so you can consult a GP when necessary. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week (June 17-23), Alexandra Penk, Litigation Executive at Patient Claim Line, has compiled advice on the red-flag symptoms of cervical cancer and what steps to take if you've experienced delayed treatment.
She said: "According to Cervical Cancer UK, 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; more specifically, the opening to the vagina from the womb. Cervical cancer is not thought to be hereditary. In 99.7% of cases, cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
"HPV is a very common virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. According to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, around four in every five sexually active adults (80%) will be infected with some type of HPV in their lives. However, for the majority of women this will not result in cervical cancer. While HPV infection is common, cervical cancer is quite rare."
To prevent cervical cancer, anyone at risk should:
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- Attend cervical screening when invited by their health practitioner.
- Be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer and seeking medical advice if experiencing any symptoms.
- Take up the HPV vaccination if aged 11-18 when offered.
- Talk to family and friends to ensure they know how they can reduce their risk and prevent cancer from occurring.
- Know where to find support locally and further information which will be widely available at your GP and local family planning clinic.
"This is why it is so important to raise awareness of cervical cancer; so people can take the right steps to prevent it where possible," Alexandra.
What are the red flag symptoms of cervical cancer?
"In our client's experience, symptoms of cervical cancer include pain or discomfort during sex, vaginal discharge and pain in the pelvis. Another common symptom that we hear about is unusual vaginal bleeding such as bleeding between periods, during or after sex and at any time after your menopause.
"Ultimately, not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will display symptoms, so it's crucial to attend regular cervical screening assessments. The NHS cervical screening programme is open to women aged between 25 and 64. It is also available for anyone in this age range who have a cervix, including trans men and non-binary people.
"In England and Northern Ireland, you should expect to receive an invite every three years, if you are aged between 25 and 49. If you are aged between 50 and 64, expect to receive an invite every five years. If you live in Scotland or Wales, you will be invited for screening every five years, between the ages of 25 and 64.
"Cervical screening tests for HPV are known more commonly as a 'smear test'. The nurse will take a sample of cells from the cervix using a small, soft brush and will send the sample to a laboratory. If you test positive for HPV, you will be invited for a colposcopy to examine your cervix more closely. If there are no cell changes, you will be invited for a cervical screening sooner than usual- around a year."
How is cervical cancer treated?
"Cervical cancer treatment will depend on where in the cervix the cancer is located as well as its size. Other important considerations include whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well as your general health. If you have a diagnosis of cervical cancer, you will usually have surgery or a form of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (known as chemoradiotherapy)."
What can I do if I’ve received delayed treatment for cervical cancer?
And for those who've received delayed treatment for cervical cancer: "If there's been a delay in treating your cervical cancer, this is considered to be medical negligence. You are therefore entitled to make a claim for compensation."
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