Don’t fear the smear

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, we can all do our bit. Learn what to look out for and test regularly

January may signal the beginning of a new year, but it also marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22 to 28 January). In the UK, approximately 3,200 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed each year, meaning that around nine people will be told that they have cervical cancer every day.

However, over recent decades, a lot of work has been done to bring those numbers down.

“We have seen rates of cervical cancer reduce by 25% since the 1990s,” says

Megan Winter, health information manager at Cancer Research UK. “That’s largely thanks to developments in research in two areas – the HPV vaccine and the cervical screening programme.”

In fact, NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and this week Jo’s Trust, the UK’S leading cervical cancer charity, is calling on the government to support NHS England in its pledge.

It’s also been using this week to focus on women at any stage of menopause, and the difficulties many menopausal women face during cervical screening.

“Cervical cancer is unique because there is a long latent period during which cell changes are occurring on the cervix but the person has no symptoms. These precancerous changes can be detected on a smear test, and any abnormalities treated,” explains Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Doctor and Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk).

As a result, with the NHS Cervical Screening Programme saving around 5,000 lives a year, it’s still important to go to a smear test even if you’re going through the menopause or are postmenopausal.

“Women should continue to attend smear tests (Pap smears or HPV tests) even if they are menopausal or postmenopausal. Cervical

cancer screenings are vital for detecting abnormalities early – the risk of cervical cancer persists beyond menopause,” says Professor Christina Fotopoulou, clinical director of women’s health at King Edward

VII’S Hospital in London.

Meanwhile, some menopausal symptoms, such as unusual bleeding, can seem similar to symptoms of gynaecological cancers, including cervical cancer, which makes being aware of the similarities and differences even more crucial.

So, with that in mind, here are five symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for…