January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Together, we can help raise awareness of the disease and take steps to help stop the cancer before it develops.
There are around 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year, the equivalent of almost 9 every day, making it the 14th most common cancer1 affecting people with a cervix across the country.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a group of over 100 common viruses. HPV has no symptoms and it usually goes away on its own, but in some cases it can cause genital warts or cancer.
Cervical cancer can be an aggressive form of disease so it’s really important to familiarise yourself with the potential symptoms and to get checked by a GP if you’re worried.
Typical symptoms may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Pain during sex.
- Lower abdominal pain.
Screening and HPV vaccination remain the most effective forms of protection against cervical cancer, but there are other ways to lower your risk. Using condoms, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet2 can help to cut cases of cervical cancer.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Cancer Research UK. Cervical Cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/cervical-cancer/. Accessed 24 January 2022.
- Cervical cancer causes. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/causes/. Accessed 24 January 2022.
