Cervical cancer - Cervical cancer key messages

Prevention and early diagnosis can save lives

What you need to know about cervical cancer 

• Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix.  The cervix connects a woman’s womb and her vagina.  It is also known as the neck of the womb
• Cervical cancer can affect women of all ages but is most common in women between 30 – 45 years of age.  It is very rare in women under 25
• Cervical screening –  previously known as a smear test - can prevent cervical cancer and saves thousands of lives each year
• In the future, most cervical cancers will be prevented by HPV vaccination. But for the next few decades, cervical screening will still be vitally important
• The earlier cervical cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome will be, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms

What causes cervical cancer?

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a common sexually transmitted infection called human papilloma virus (HPV).  Most women have HPV at some time, which usually clears up on its own.  If the infection doesn’t clear up there is a risk of abnormal cells developing which could become cervical cancer over time.

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms of cervical cancer.

• Any unusual bleeding from the vagina, particularly after sex or after the menopause when your periods have stopped
• Persistent vaginal discharge that is blood stained or smells unpleasant

If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor, even if you have been for screening. The chances are that they are not due to cancer, but it is important to have them checked.

What can I do to reduce my risk of developing cervical cancer?

• Go for cervical screening when you are invited
• Have the HPV vaccine if you are offered it
• If you smoke, try to stop
• Use a condom to reduce your risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Even if you have had a normal screening result or have been vaccinated against HPV, it’s important to let your doctor know if you develop any of the symptoms of cervical cancer so they can be checked out.  Like all screening tests, cervical screening isn’t 100% perfect, and the HPV vaccine does not stop all types of HPV that may cause cervical cancer.

Be informed and make a plan

• Work out what you will do if you have abnormal bleeding – arrange to see a doctor
• As soon as your invitation to cervical screening arrives work out when you can go and make the appointment
• If you are 18 or under, consider having the HPV vaccination if you have not already done so.

The above information was produced by the Department of Health with grateful thanks to the cervical cancer key messages forum.