Cervical Cancer – Signs, Symptoms, Screening
- Cervical screening is a quick test to check the cervix for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
- HPV is really common and usually clears on its own however 1 in 10 infections are harder to get rid of.
- Screening is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 every 5 years.
- Lots of ways to make the test more comfortable including asking to book a longer or double appointment.
- Symptoms of cervical cancer can include; vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, aftermenopause, between periods or after sex,
- Unexplained pain in the lower back or the pelvis – that is the area between the hip bones, Pain ordiscomfort during sex or Changes in vaginal discharge.
· It is important to note that screening is for non-symptomatic people, if you or anyone youknow, experience any of these symptoms or have any concerns – speak to GP, you don’t have towait for your routine screening.
· Reduce your risk by stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, having the HPV vaccination and attending for cervical screening.
For further information, please visit Cancer Research UK and NHS Inform.
