Screening for cervical cancer is a must and girls can now be vaccinated for added protection
Screening for cervical cancer is a disease that can be totally prevented if discovered at an early stage. Yet around 1,000 women in the UK die each year from it. And Merseyside, with its huge transient population, has one of the worst take up rates among women for the smear test, which every female aged between 25 and 49 should get done once every three years. Young women in particular have some of the lowest rates for attending screening tests. For some, this is because they have not registered with their local GP.
Anne Szarewski, a clinical consultant from Cancer Research UK, said the cervical screening programme has almost been a victim of its own success, proving so effective that it may be leading to complacency among at risk groups.
Ms Szarewski added: “The success of the screening programme means that some young people have never known anyone with the disease and the importance of having smear doesn’t resonate with them.”
A new type of test has been introduced across the entire south end of the country and Ms Szarewski believes that it should be spread across the country. It is vitally important to have regular tests. The test can be daunting for some women, but although it can be a little uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be painful. And it is important to realise you can ask for a female doctor to carry out the test if you feel it would make it easier for you to go and get it done.
What causes cervical cancer?
The cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is spread through sexual contact. Fortunately, the body’s immune system is able to get rid of most cases of HPV infection naturally, without women even realising they’ve had it. But in some cases the infection does not go away and can lead to cancer. Of the 100 types of HPV, 15 can sometimes lead to cervical cancer. Smokers are more likely to develop cervical cancer, as are women with suppressed immune systems because of HIV or immunosuppressant drugs. Vaccines have been developed that can prevent infection from the two most common types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer (HPV-16 and HPV-18), which are responsible for two thirds of all cervical cancers. But while these vaccines can be very effective they will not stop all cancers so you should attend smear tests and if you have any concerns you should contact your GP or the NHS Direct Helpline.
Vaccines for school girls
The vaccinations – Gardasil and Cervarix are recommended for women who have not been exposed to HPV and are most effective for young girls or women who have not engaged in sexual activity. From September, schoolgirls will be vaccinated against the HPV virus. The programme will start with 12 to 13 year olds, with plans to immunise those up to 18 from autumn 2009.
What you need to know about cervical cancer
SYMPTOMS
- The most common symptoms of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at other times than when you have your period. You may have bleeding between periods, after or during sex, at any time if you are past your menopause.
- Some women also have a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant, discomfort or pain during sex, pre-cancerous cell changes do not usually have symptoms which is why it is so important to have a regular smear test.
THE SCREENING PROCESS
- In England, women between the ages of 25 and 49 are invited for a smear test by their GP every three years. Women between 49 and 64 are invited every five years.
- A sample of cells is taken from the cervix for analysis in the laboratory. A doctor or nurse inserts an instrument, known as a speculum, to open the women’s vagina and uses a spatula to sweep around the cervix.
- Most women consider the procedure to be only mildly uncomfortable.
- You should try to make your test appointment for the middle of your cycle – between periods.
- Early detection and treatment can prevent 75 per cent of cancers developing but, like other screening tests, it is not perfect.
FAQs
Is cervical cancer all that common? I don’t know anyone who’s had it.
The fact that you don’t know anyone who’s had it is down to the success of the screening programme which has been available in the UK since 1967.
Cervical cancer is one of the few truly preventable cancers and screening for it is believed to save the lives of 8,000 women over ten years.
The annual death rate has fallen by two thirds. However 1,000 women still die from cervical cancer in the UK every year. Many of them would not have died if they had been screened regularly.
Who is most at risk?
All sexually active women are at risk but the incidence of the cell changes that are closest to cervical cancer is highest among young women in their 20s and it falls gradually from then on.
Unfortunately, younger women are less rigorous about having smear tests than olden women. This is particularly unfortunate given that they are at the greater risk.
KEY CONTACTS
Cancer Research UK, www.cancerhelp.org.uk, Tel: 020 7242 0200.
Jo’s Trust, Cervical Cancer Support Charity, www.jotrust.co.uk, Tel: 01327 341 965.
NHS Direct, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, Tel: 0845 46 47.
