This week is cervical cancer prevention week. This is well worth marking, because cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer in women, yet deaths from cervical cancer are among the most preventable.
Cervical cancer is the 12th most common cancer in women in the UK, and the 4th most common globally.[1]
Over the last half a century, cervical screening has had a major impact in preventing cervical cancer deaths. A recent US study found that nearly half (43%) of deaths from cervical cancers that have been averted between 1975 and 2020, were entirely down to cervical screening, as opposed to improvements in treatment over this period.[2]
It is estimated that in England cervical screening currently prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths. However, if everyone attended screening regularly, it is estimated this could be much higher, with as many as 83% of deaths from cervical cancer being prevented.[1]
This suggests that more can and should be done to ensure that more women are able to access screening and prevent cervical cancer deaths.
The most important steps women can take to prevent cervical cancer are:
1. Attending cervical screening when invited. If you are a woman aged 25-64 and registered with a local GP, you will get a letter telling you when it is time for your cervical screening appointment. Sexual health clinics in your area may also offer cervical screening if you do not wish to see your GP. More details here on the NHS website.
2. Taking up the HPV vaccine if you are 11-18 years old. The HPV vaccine is recommended for those from 12 to 13 years and those at higher risk. In the UK, it is I available free on the NHS to all girls under 25 and most of those who are at higher risk. More details here.
3. Being aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer include: heavier periods than you normally have, vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after the menopause, pain during sex, or pain in your lower back, between your hips, or in your lower tummy. More information on symptoms can be found here.
[1] World Cancer Research Fund: https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/
[2] National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/five-cancer-types-prevention-screening-have-been-major-contributors-saving-lives
[3] NHS England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-description-in-brief/cervical-screening-helping-you-decide–2 NB: The coverage of screening programmes in much of the rest of the world is significantly lower, and therefore globally prevention is lower and death rates are higher.