Key takeaways
- Most cervical cancer cases are in women aged 30–34 and the main cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Smoking is known to increase the risk of cervical cancer, and there is some evidence that being overweight or obese might increase your risk, too
- Anyone with a cervix between ages 25 and 64 is eligible for cervical screening in the UK
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix – the opening from the top of the vagina to the womb. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide but also one of the most preventable cancer types. In the UK, less than 1 in 100 women and people with a cervix will develop cervical cancer in their lifetime. Cervical screening helps prevent it from developing and saves thousands of lives every year in the UK, so it’s important to attend screenings when you are invited, and to talk to your GP if you notice any changes. In this guide, Perci’s lead Cancer Nurse Specialist, Rachel Rawson, offers key information about cervical cancer, risk factors and screening that everyone should know.
Who can get cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is more common in younger women. More than half of the cervical cancer cases in the UK each year are diagnosed in women under the age of 45 and most cases are in women aged 30–34.
What causes cervical cancer?
The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV. Most are harmless but some can cause abnormal cell changes that may develop into cervical cancer. HPV can be passed on through close skin to skin contact, usually during sexual activity, vaginal, anal or oral sex and sharing sex toys.
You may have an increased risk of cervical cancer if your mother, sister or daughter has had cervical cancer. It is not yet known whether this is linked to faulty genes, or shared lifestyle factors, like smoking.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Visit your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, including after the menopause, after sex, or between periods
- Changes to vaginal discharge
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Unexplained pain in your lower back or the area between the hips (pelvis)
Can you reduce your risk of cervical cancer?
As with all cancers, the risk of developing cervical cancer depends on a number of factors and varies from person to person.
World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)
While you may not be able to prevent cervical cancer there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk. It’s important to attend regular cervical screening when invited, so any changes can be monitored and treated before they become cancer.
Children aged 12–13 are offered the HPV vaccine, which helps protect against all cancers caused by HPV, as well as genital warts. If you had this vaccine, your risk of developing HPV is lower. Using a condom during sex will also reduce your chances of getting HPV.
As smoking is known to increase the risk of cervical cancer, not smoking can reduce your risk. There is also some evidence that being overweight or obese might increase your risk, too, so try to maintain a healthy weight.
What is the role of cervical cancer screening?
99.8% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are preventable
Cancer Research UK
During a cervical screening test (also called a smear test) a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix. Rather than testing for cancer itself, cervical screening tests for HPV, which may turn into cancer if left untreated. All eligible people automatically receive a letter from their GP inviting them to attend for screening.
Anyone with a cervix between ages 25 and 64 is eligible for cervical screening, which includes many trans men and/or non-binary people. Some trans men and/or non-binary people may have had surgery that involves removing the cervix, so will no longer need screening. Trans women do not need cervical screening.
The below table shows at what age and how often you will be invited for screening.
While we have ensured that every article is medically reviewed and approved, information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to one of our healthcare professionals or your primary healthcare team.
References
‘Cervical cancer statistics’, cancerresearchuk.org, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/cervical-cancer
‘Cervical cancer’, who.int, February 2022, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer.
‘Cervical cancer’, wcrf.org, https://www.wcrf.org/diet-activity-and-cancer/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/
‘Risks and causes of cervical cancer’, jostrust.org.uk, November 2020, https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-cancer/causes-risks