Cervical cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix. It mostly affects women under the age of 45 and anyone with a cervix is at risk of getting it. Cervical cancer usually grows very slowly. The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with one of about 15 high-risk types of HPV.
How common is cervical cancer?
In females in the UK, cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer, with around 3,200 new cases every year. Cervical cancer accounted for 2% of all new cancer cases in females in the UK (based on 2016-2018 data from Cancer Research UK). This cancer mostly affects women under the age of 45 and is very rare in people below 25 years of age.
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
What are risk factors for cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a persistent infection from certain high-risk types of HPV. Some other risk factors are:
- Smoking
- History of HPV related vulval or vaginal disease
- Multiple sexual partners
- Weakened immune system
- History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Non-attendance to cervical screening
- Early age of first sexual debut
- Not using condoms during sex
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms, and sometimes the symptoms are not obvious which is why cervical screening is so important. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
Vaginal bleeding
For example, between periods, during or after intercourse or after the menopause
Spotting between periods
Irregular blood spotting between periods or after the menopause
Changes to your vaginal discharge
There may be an unpleasant odour
Having these symptoms does not mean you have cervical cancer. They can be caused by many different conditions but you should get them checked by your GP.
As disease advances, more severe symptoms may be:
- Weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite
- Persistent pain in the back, leg or pelvic area
- Vaginal discomfort
- Discharge with an unpleasant odour
- Swelling of the legs
If you have any of these symptoms, please consult with your GP.
How is cervical cancer treated?
Cervical cancer is often treatable. The treatment will depend on the stage of the disease and your general health, but options usually include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
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GB-NON-09508 | Date of Preparation: July 2024
