Information on cervical cancer

Some information about cervical cancer - please pass this on to the women in your life.

• In the UK, around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. 1,000 of those women will die.
• Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women under 35.
• 99.7% of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• Cervical cancer is largely preventable through cervical screening and HPV vaccination.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

• Abnormal bleeding: after or during sexual intercourse, or between periods
• Post menopausal bleeding, if you are not on HRT or have stopped it for six weeks
• Unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Lower back pain

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please contact your GP.

Reduce your risk!

• If you're between 12 and 18 years old you're eligible for the HPV vaccination. This will protect you against HPV types 16 and 18 which cause 70% of all cervical cancers. 
• Women over the age of 20 in Scotland and Wales and 25 in Northern Ireland and England will be invited for cervical screening (smear). Screening saves over 5,000 lives in the UK each year, it can reduce your risk of cervical cancer. Make sure you take up your invitation for screening when invited. Need more information about screening, check out the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website.