Eliminating Cervical Cancer: How Awareness, Screening and Vaccination Can Save Lives
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide.
In the UK, nearly all cases (99.8%) are caused by HPV—a virus that can be prevented through vaccination. Thanks to the NHS Vaccination Programme, experts believe cervical cancer could be eliminated entirely by 2040.
January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting prevention. To support this important initiative, we spoke with consultant gynaecologist Jennifer Byrom (Jenni), who has over 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating gynaecological conditions.
In this interview, Jenni shares her expert insights on cervical cancer—including its signs and symptoms, prevention strategies, and available treatments—empowering you with the knowledge to take charge of your health.
What is the significance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and why is it so important?
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about recognising the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer—it’s also a crucial reminder of the importance of cervical screening and encouraging more women to attend their appointments. Detecting cervical cancer, or even pre-cancerous changes, early can make a life-changing difference to treatment and survival rates. When pre-cancerous cells are identified, treatment is often simple and minimally invasive—95% of women won’t need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, as local treatment is usually enough.
The survival rate for cervical cancer is around 90% when caught early, and when detected at the very earliest stage, that figure is likely even higher. Yet, we know that around half of women diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer haven’t kept up to date with their screening. If you’re unsure when yours is due, you should receive a letter from your GP practice—or you can call to check.
Another key focus of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is the HPV vaccine, which is now offered to boys and girls aged 12 to 13. Since HPV causes the majority of cervical cancer cases and is easily transmitted once someone becomes sexually active, both vaccination and regular screening are vital in preventing the disease.
What advice would you give to someone who is feeling nervous about attending their appointment?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about cervical screening, and many women find the idea uncomfortable. However, there are ways to make the experience easier and more comfortable.
If you’d prefer to see a female healthcare professional, you can request one when booking your appointment. Cervical screenings are usually carried out by practice nurses, but you can also ask to see a female GP or visit a sexual health clinic.
If you’re worried about discomfort during the procedure, you can request a smaller speculum, which some women find more comfortable. For those who are particularly anxious, it may be possible to have the screening done at a hospital, where specialised couches are available. In some cases, gas and air may also be offered to help with nerves.
It’s also important to remember that cervical screening is a preventative measure—it’s designed to detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer. Most results come back normal, and even if abnormalities are found, early treatment—such as a loop excision of the cervix (LLETZ)—can prevent further complications.
What are the common barriers to cervical screening?
There are several challenges that can prevent women and girls from attending cervical screening. For some, language barriers make it difficult to understand the information or the importance of screening. Others may feel discouraged due to cultural or religious taboos, or because of a previous screening experience that was uncomfortable or distressing.
Practical challenges also play a role. Mobility issues, difficulties getting an appointment, or being pregnant when a screening is due can all lead to missed appointments. In some cases, this can cause screening to be forgotten altogether. While reminder letters are sent out, they stop after two reminders, meaning patients won’t receive another until their next scheduled screening in three or five years.
Recognising these barriers is key to improving access and encouraging more women to attend their screenings.
What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?
In its early stages, cervical cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular cervical screening is crucial for detecting any changes before they develop into something more serious.
As the disease progresses, common symptoms include:
• Irregular vaginal bleeding – this may occur between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge – which may be discoloured, have an unpleasant smell, or be thicker than usual
• Heavier or prolonged periods – which are different from your normal cycle
In more advanced cases, pelvic pain may develop.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible for further investigation. Early detection makes a huge difference in treatment outcomes.
How can you reduce the risk of cervical cancer?
While cervical cancer can’t always be prevented, there are important steps you can take to lower your risk:
• Avoid smoking or vaping – Nicotine weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections like HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer.
• Get the HPV vaccine – This vaccine is highly effective in protecting against the strains of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer.
• Practice safer sex – While HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact, using condoms during sexual activity can help reduce the risk of infection.
• Attend regular cervical screenings – Screening is the most effective way to detect and treat abnormal cell changes before they develop into cancer.
Taking these steps can significantly lower your risk and help with early detection and prevention.
99.8% of cases of cervical cancer in the UK are caused by HPV
What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
The type of treatment for cervical cancer depends on how early it is detected.
• Early-stage cervical cancer can often be treated with a simple procedure called a loop excision of the cervix (LLETZ). This quick, five-minute procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, and most patients can go home the same day.
• For more advanced cases, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
• In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be required. However, when only the cervix needs to be removed, fertility can often be preserved, allowing patients the possibility of having children in the future.
Early detection plays a crucial role in ensuring less invasive treatment options and better outcomes, which is why regular cervical screening is so important.
Final Thoughts
If you have any concerns about cervical cancer, screening, or treatment options, don’t hesitate to speak to your GP or reach out to us for expert advice. Regular screening and early detection save lives, so staying informed and proactive is essential.
You can learn more about Cervical Cancer Awareness Month on the Macmillan website. If you have any questions, get in touch, and one of our experts will be happy to help.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early
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