Taking place from 20th to 26th January 2025, Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is an opportunity to understand the risks associated with cervical cancer and the steps people can take to protect themselves.

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The most common cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).  

It is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and awareness is key to saving lives. Early detection through routine cervical screening (smear tests), the HPV vaccination, and regular check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

In the UK, all women aged between 25 and 64 are invited to attend cervical screening. Screening can detect early changes in cervical cells before they develop into cancer, and the HPV vaccination is highly effective in preventing infections from the virus that causes most cervical cancers.

How to prevent Cervical Cancer:

1. Attend your cervical screening appointment This simple, quick test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix that may develop into cancer. Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are encouraged to attend their appointments as advised by the NHS.  
2. Get vaccinated against HPV The HPV vaccine is offered to girls and boys aged 12-13 as part of the NHS immunisation programme, typically in schools. This vaccine protects against the strains of HPV that are responsible for most cervical cancers. If you missed the vaccine at a younger age, it is still possible to get vaccinated, so speak to your GP about the best course of action.
3. Know the Symptoms It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer, although it often has no symptoms in its early stages. Some signs to be aware of include unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., between periods, after sex, or after menopause), unexplained pelvic pain, pain during sex and/or abnormal vaginal discharge. 

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, take a moment to talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about cervical cancer prevention. By raising awareness and encouraging each other to take action, we can help reduce the impact of cervical cancer and save lives.