January
Cervical Cancer can affect people of all ages. Every year over 3000 women are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in the UK alone.
Cervical Cancer can be hard to detect as they don’t usually show any symptoms. The cervix is the lower part of the womb and is sometimes referred to the neck of the womb.
What is Cervical Cancer?
The biggest risk of cervical cancer is an infection known as HPV. Although, there are a lot of different types of HPV – some can cause changes in cells which can develop into cervical cancer.
Signs and Symptoms
Although there are not always signs of cervical issues there are some symptoms in particular that will need to be checked by the GP and potentially referred to further investigations
- Heavier periods than normal
- Bleeding in between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Pain during sex
- Changes to vaginal discharge
- Pain in lower back and tummy
Although these symptoms could results in other conditions and could also be normal for your age and menstrual cycle. However, if you have some of these symptoms it is always best to get checked out by a clinical professional.
What happens at the appointment?
You can ask for a female clinician for your appointment
You can take someone with you
You can always ask for a chaperone
The clinician will get some background information on you and family history. They will then ask your permission to examine you. This will usually consist of feeling your lower tummy and also an internal examination. The clinician will always advise you what they are going to do.
This should not be painful but may be uncomfortable. If it is painful you can ask the clinician to stop.
Sometimes you may be referred to a specialist which could be routine, urgent or fast tracked.
If the clinician suspects or wants to rule out cervical cancer, they will fast track you. This meaning that you should be seen or contacted within 2 weeks.
Tips for Preventing Cervical Cancer
- Quit smoking
- Regular smear tests
- Healthy lifestyle
- Safe sex
