Cervical cancer

The main symptoms of cervical cancer are vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you, pain during sex, changes in vaginal discharge and lower back pain.

Your treatment plan for cervical cancer will depend on your situation. It may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The cause of cervical cancer is nearly always an infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical screening and the HPV vaccination are the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Lifestyle changes can also lower your chances of getting it.

Symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
• changes to your vaginal discharge
• pain during sex
• pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy

If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.

You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

• you have any symptoms of cervical cancer

Try not to be embarrassed – the doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can get HPV from:

• any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
• vaginal, anal or oral sex
• sharing sex toys

Who is more likely to get cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age. Anyone with a cervix can get it.

You cannot get cervical cancer if you've had surgery to remove your womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).

You might also be more likely to get cervical cancer if:

• you have a weakened immune system, like if you have HIV or AIDS
• you have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)
• your mother took the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you – your GP can discuss these risks with you
• you've had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the past
• you smoke
• you've taken the contraceptive pill for more than 5 years – this only slightly increases your risk and for many people the benefits of taking it outweigh the risks

You cannot always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer.

Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

• All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer.
• All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts.

You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by:

• using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected
• quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer

If you have abnormal cells in your cervix, which could mean you have cervical cancer, you'll usually be referred for a test to have a closer look at your cervix. This is called a colposcopy.

Sometimes you'll be offered a procedure to remove abnormal cells during the colposcopy.

You may also be referred for a colposcopy if you have symptoms that could be caused by cervical cancer.

You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.

During a colposcopy:

1. The specialist nurse or doctor will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your knees bent and your legs resting on supports.
2. They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see your cervix. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
3. A microscope with a light at the end is used to look at your cervix. The microscope stays outside your body.
4. The nurse or doctor will usually put a liquid on your cervix to show any abnormal areas.
5. A small sample of cells (biopsy) may be collected to send to a laboratory.

The test should take around 15 to 30 minutes.

It should not be painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the nurse or doctor if you're feeling uncomfortable.

If you had a biopsy, you may have a small amount of bleeding or cramping afterwards.

Cervical cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

• the size and type of cervical cancer you have
• where the cancer is
• if it has spread
• your general health

It will usually include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It may also include treatment with targeted medicines to treat the cancer.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
• talk to you about the impact that treatment may have on your fertility

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about cervical cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: cervical cancer forum
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services