An expert has highlighted four “red flag” symptoms that could indicate cervical cancer, with people warned to be on the look out – as early detection is crucial. There are around 3,300 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year and, tragically, about 850 lives are lost to the disease each year, according to Cancer Research UK.
A staggering 99.8% of these cases are preventable, and catching the disease early significantly improves outcomes. Therefore recognising the signs and symptoms is key so you can see a GP if you need to.
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the passage forming the lower part of the womb leading to the vagina. Regular cervical screenings, also known as smear tests, are a powerful preventative measure against the disease.
To reduce the risk of cervical cancer, those at risk are advised to attend cervical screening appointments when invited. You should also be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer and seek medical advice if any are present, accept the HPV vaccination if offered between the ages of 11-18, discuss prevention methods with family and friends to spread awareness, and know where to access support and information, which is readily available from GPs and local family planning clinics.
Patient Claim Line’s Litigation Executive, Alexandra Penk previously shared four red flags to watch out for with the Liverpool ECHO, as well as what to do if you’ve experienced delayed treatment. Highlighting the warning signs, she said: “Pain or discomfort during sex, vaginal discharge and pain in the pelvis.
“Another common symptom that we hear about is unusual vaginal bleeding such as bleeding between periods, during or after sex and at any time after your menopause. Ultimately, not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will display symptoms, so it’s crucial to attend regular cervical screening assessments.”
Explaining the cervical cancer screening programme, Ms Penk said: “The NHS cervical screening programme is open to women aged between 25 and 64. It is also available for anyone in this age range who have a cervix, including trans men and non-binary people.
“In England and Northern Ireland, you should expect to receive an invite every three years, if you are aged between 25 and 49. If you are aged between 50 and 64, expect to receive an invite every five years. If you live in Scotland or Wales, you will be invited for screening every five years, between the ages of 25 and 64.”
She added that cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test, involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix with a small, soft brush which is then sent to a laboratory for HPV testing.
“If you test positive for HPV, you will be invited for a colposcopy to examine your cervix more closely. If there are no cell changes, you will be invited for a cervical screening sooner than usual – around a year.”
How is cervical cancer treated?
“Cervical cancer treatment will depend on where in the cervix the cancer is located as well as its size. Other important considerations include whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well as your general health. If you have a diagnosis of cervical cancer, you will usually have surgery or a form of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (known as chemoradiotherapy).”
What can I do if I’ve received delayed treatment for cervical cancer?
“If there’s been a delay in treating your cervical cancer, this is considered to be medical negligence. You are therefore entitled to make a claim for compensation.”