January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and focuses on raising awareness about the causes, risk factors, importance of regular screenings, treatment and prevention.  

There are two main types of cervical cancer, the most common being squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for up to 80-90% of cases. This develops from a type of cell that covers the outside of the cervix, at the top of the vagina. They other type is known as adenocarcinoma which develops from a cell found in the cervical canal, this has become more common is recent years.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are as follows: –  

• Vaginal bleeding unusual for you  

• Changes in vaginal discharge  

• Pain or discomfort during sex 

• Pain in your lower back or pelvis 

However, very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms at all but can still be found and treated using cervical screening tests, for example a smear. This test can show an indication of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 99.8% of all cervical cancer cases in the UK are caused by HPV infection. HPV is very common, and most people will get some type of HPV in their life, however, the virus doesn’t always cause harm, and the infection can clear up on its own. Although, in some cases, the infection can lead to cell changes that can progress into cervical cancer. If the cells are seen as abnormal during a smear, they can be removed in order to prevent further progression. You cannot fully protect yourself against HPV, but there are things that can help: –  

• Condoms – although these will not fully protect you as they do not cover everything.  

• The HPV vaccine – it does not protect against all types of HPV but does protect against the types that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers.  

In 2009 there was an increase in smear test attendance. This was known as “The Jade Goody Effect”. Jade Goody was an English media personality, and her story influenced many women to attend their smear test. Jade Goody was only 27 when she passed from cervical cancer, just 7 months after being diagnosed. However, the numbers attending screenings have fallen.  

Smear tests are now offered to individuals aged 25 to 64. There have been many attempts for the screening age to be lowered. In 2012, the mother of Mercedes Curnow campaigned for the age of screening to be lowered as her daughter died from cervical cancer at the age of 23. Before her death, Mercedes created the Mercedes Curnow Foundation for detection of Cervical Cancer which helps fund private screenings for young women.  

At the moment there is no indication that the age for cervical screening will be lowered. This is because ‘evidence has shown that screening women under the age of 25 can lead to many unnecessary and harmful investigation and treatments.’ 

Those diagnosed with cervical cancer will discuss the best possible treatment with a specialist team. The types of treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These will be explained in detail. More information of the process can be found on the Macmillan website. They also provide information for those who are supporting someone with cancer. People are constantly fundraising for Macmillan to allow them to continue to be there for people living with cancer.