Monday 20th January, marks the start of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. We want to use this week to raise awareness about the importance of Cervical screening and the HPV vaccine because we know that screening can save lives.
What are the facts?
- England is one of the first countries in the world to commit to eliminating cervical cancer with an ambition to do so by 2040.
- Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet two women die every day from cervical cancer.
- Cervical cancer is cancer that is found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb.
- Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that’s spread through skin contact. Most types of HPV are harmless but some types are linked to an increased risk of cervical and other types of 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.
How can you prevent cervical cancer?
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Also known as a smear test, a cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
Check out our dedicated webpage, for all the information and links to further support
The Eve Appeal
Cervical screening tests aren’t always easy for everyone. For Cervical Cancer Prevention Week The Eve Appeal charity want to raise awareness of what adaptations women and people with a cervix can ask for during their screening to make the appointment more comfortable.
In their latest YouGov survey, they found that 1 in 2 women weren’t aware they could ask the nurse or doctor to stop at any point during their screening. 1 in 4 weren’t aware they could ask for a smaller speculum, and 1 in 10 weren’t aware they could book a double appointment or could ask for a different position. Read more about their campaign here.
