January- Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Cervical cancer is cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb.

Signs & Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer can include:
- Vaginal bleeding unusual for you
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Pain in your lower back or pelvis
Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked if you experience them. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Who is more likely to get cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is most common in women aged 30 & 35, but it can happen at any age. Anyone with a cervix can get it.
You cannot get cervical cancer if you have has surgery to remove your womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).
How to lower your chance of getting cervical cancer
You cannot always prevent cervical cancer, but there are things you can do to lower you chances.
All people with a cervix, between the ages of 25 & 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps to find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before it can turn into cancer.
All children aged 12-13 are offered the HPB vaccine. It helps protect against the cervical cancer, as well as some other types of HPV that cause most cases of cancer, and genital warts
You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by:
- using condoms which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you’re not fully protected
- Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer
Did you know 1 in 4 don’t attend their cervical screening test?
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix. The first part of cervical screening is to have a smear test.
If you are worried about having a smear test, you can speak with one of our nurses or doctors.
If you are a trans man or non-binary person and have a cervix, you should have a screening too. If you are registered as male with your GP, you may not be sent an invitation. Tell your GP if you want to have a cervical screening so they can arrange regular tests for you.
Your smear appointment lasts 20 minutes long, but the test itself takes just a few moment!
For more information, follow this link-