Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: We Can End Cervical Cancer
Nine women a day are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK, and two women a day lose their lives to this disease. We’re incredibly lucky in the UK to have the tools to make cervical cancer a thing of the past but we need commitment to do it. At this very moment, countries all around the world are committing to ending cervical cancer. Australia and Sweden are on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, by investing in and developing their HPV vaccine and cervical screening programmes.
In November 2023, NHS England pledged to end cervical cancer by 2040. The HPV vaccination programme is incredibly successful and has already led to an 87% decrease in cervical cancer incidences in women in their 20s. Alongside its vaccination drive, the NHS is inviting more people than ever before for cervical screening – over five million people aged 25 to 64 were invited last year, with 3.5 million tested – while HPV self-sampling is being trialled to see if it could be introduced as part of the national screening programmes.
However, there is still more to be done…
During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we are supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to improve awareness of cervical screening and the HPV vaccine, and play our part in making cervical cancer a thing of the past.
You can play your part in making cervical cancer a thing of the past by signing Jo’s petition calling for government action, emailing your MP, and joining the conversation online using the hashtag #WeCan or #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Currently, the best way to lower your risk of cervical cancer is through the HPV vaccine and regular cervical screening attendance. Almost all cervical cancers are linked to high-risk HPV, a common virus that can be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin sexual contact. This may sound worrying, but it’s important to remember that there are over 200 types of HPV (split into low and high-risk HPV) and 9 in 10 (90%) people will get rid of any type of HPV within 2 years.
The HPV vaccine protects against some types of HPV that can cause cancer, including cervical cancer. Since 2008, the HPV vaccine has been offered for free to girls and boys (since 2019) aged 11 to 13 as part of the NHS vaccination programme. The HPV vaccine is offered in schools at a young age because the immune response to the vaccine is stronger when people are younger, and it is more effective before someone is exposed to HPV through sexual activity.
If you missed your vaccine at school and are still in attendance there, then talk to your school. They may be able to invite you to the next vaccination day. If you are no longer able to have the HPV vaccine in school, you can have it free at your GP surgery up to age 25 in England, Scotland and Wales. You can contact your GP surgery directly about having the HPV vaccine.
If you are not eligible for the #HPV vaccine the best protection against cervical cancer is to continue going for regular cervical screenings. Jo’s understands that HPV, and the HPV vaccine, can be confusing. If you have questions, their Helpline and website are here to help. Find out more about the HPV vaccine on the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website.
Why is Your Cervical Screening Appointment Important?
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Also known as a smear test, cervical screening is a free health test that checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes.
In the UK, you should be invited for cervical screening if you are between the ages of 25 and 64 and registered as female with a GP surgery. It is not a test for cancer. It is your choice whether to go for cervical screening. If you are registered with a GP, you will get a letter telling you it is time for your cervical screening appointment. You have to contact your GP to book an appointment. You can usually do this online or over the phone.
Your cervical screening result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening.
Cervical screening isn't easy for everyone. If you are worried about the test or know you find it hard, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are able to support you with questions or by talking things through on their Helpline 0808 802 8000 or you can visit their website.
There are programmes to help prevent cervical cancer, detect early diagnosis, and support those with cell changes and cervical cancer. It means creating a world where no one is left behind. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust aims to be there to help women affected by cervical cancer and cell changes. We’re proud to be partnering with the leading cervical cancer charity and helping to make sure no one goes through cancer alone.