Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: 23 to 29 January 2023

The aim of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, a campaign by UK charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, is to raise awareness and encourage attendance at smear tests.

This year it is more important than ever to attend for a smear test as the number of people attending for their smear tests is at a record low. This, combined with the drop in vaccination rates for the HPV virus, is opening people up to the risk that cervical cancer is not detected at the earliest possible point.

Cervical cancer is a cancer that is found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb. It is usually caused by an infection from HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and is screened for on a three-yearly basis by way of a smear test.

With the number of attendees for smear tests dropping, it is important to consider the potential reasons for this and what can be done to combat them. The majority of cervical cancer cases can be dealt with however, attending regular smear tests is crucial to ensure that any issues are identified and dealt with as early as possible.

The NHS is trialling self-screening tests in London in an attempt to increase the uptake of smear tests and reach people who would not normally feel comfortable attending a GP surgery for a smear test.

Potential reasons for non-attendance at smear tests:

• fear of pain
• trauma
• inability to attend the GP for the appointment
• difficulty in obtaining an appointment for a smear test
• embarrassment over physical appearance.

If you experience any of these issues, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has extremely useful advice on how you can be supported in accessing your smear test.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

• unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding (such as during or after sex, between your periods or after menopause)
• changes to vaginal discharge
• pain during sex
• pain in your lower back, in your pelvis or lower tummy.

It is really important that if you are suffering from these symptoms, you speak with your GP so that you can get checked out as soon as possible.

Useful resources

• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – a Cervical Cancer Charity
• Cervical cancer – NHS UK