At Westleigh Dental Care, our team is predominantly female, so we feel it is important to be informed about health issues that may affect us and other women. January is recognised as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding and encourage proactive health checks. Each year in the UK, more than 3,200 women of varying ages are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. It’s usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests (this includes a smear test).

Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

  • heavier periods than you normally have
  • vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
  • unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina
  • pain or discomfort during sex
  • urine infections that keep coming back
  • pain in the lower tummy or back.

If you get have any of these symptoms between your regular cervical screening appointments, do not wait for your next appointment. Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

Understanding cervical screening

Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix. A cervical screening test is a way of collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix. The UK’s cervical screening programme is estimated to save 5000 lives a year (The Eve Appeal).

Cervical screening looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix. If HPV is found, the sample is checked for any abnormal cells.

Anyone with a cervix is eligible for screening in the UK. The screening programme starts at age 25 until age 64. Women up to the age of 49 will be invited for screening every three years, after 50 you will be invited every five years.  You will be sent an invitation by your GP if you are registered female but you can also visit a local sexual health clinic.

Further information

If you would like to know more about cervical cancer or cervical screening, the Macmillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/cervical-cancer-awareness 

or Bupa https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/cervical-screening websites provide excellent resources.