Cervical Cancer Prevention Week will be from 19th January to 25th January 2025 to raise awareness about cervical cancer.
This campaign aims to bring attention to those whose lives have been impacted by cervical cancer, to find solutions, and to remember those we have lost.
We know that cervical screening isn’t always easy, but there are some things you can do to help make yourself more comfortable. Cervical screenings are estimated to save 5000 lives a year in the UK, so we’re here to remind you that you always have the power to ask for what you want. Whether it’s playing music, bringing a friend, or changing position. After all, when cervical screening saves lives, do whatever gets you going.
What is a cervical screening?
Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer. It is a test for high-risk HPV. This is the common virus which causes nearly all cervical cancers. If high-risk HPV is found, the sample will be checked for any changes to the cells. These cells aren’t cancer but could lead to cervical cancer in the future. If you have high-risk HPV and cell changes, they will either be treated or monitored to help prevent cervical cancer from developing.
When should I go for cervical screening?
Cervical screening starts at the age of 25 in the UK. You will get an invitation letter near your 25th birthday for a cervical screening test. You can then contact your GP surgery to book your appointment. You will be sent an invite for screening every three to five years until the age of 50 (depending where you live in the UK). Then the letters will be sent every five years until the age of 64. If you are 65 or over and have not had a screening test since you were 50; you will also receive an invitation. If you have high-risk HPV or any cervical cell changes you will be checked more often.
If you are trans and registered as male with your GP surgery you may not get an invite in the post. If you have a cervix you are still at risk of cervical cancer. You can book your screening by calling your GP surgery.
How does cervical screening work?
Cervical screening is not a test to diagnose cervical cancer, but to help prevent it. During cervical screening, a doctor or nurse will collect a sample of cells from the cervix. They do this by inserting a lubricated speculum into the vagina, so that they can open it to see the cervix. They then sweep the cervix with a soft plastic brush. The sample is sent off to a laboratory for testing.
What is high-risk HPV?
High-risk HPV is passed on through skin-to-skin sexual contact. It has no symptoms and 8 in 10 of us will come into contact with HPV during our lives. Our immune system often clears HPV before it causes any problems. If HPV doesn’t clear, it can cause changes in the cervical cells. The most common change is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); this can be low grade CIN1, or high grade CIN2 or CIN3.