This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate medical success in this area. It also acts as a useful reminder for women of all ages to be vigilant when it comes to spotting the potential warning signs of this traumatic illness.
What is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is a small muscular organ located in the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system.
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow and eventually form a growth or tumour. It not caught early enough, then the cells can spread to other areas of the body.
There are estimated to be around 850 cervical cancer deaths in the UK every year, with 3,200 new cases being diagnosed each year. The survival rate is just over 50% and it is most common in women in their early 30’s.
Spotting the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
As with many forms of cancer, there can be little to no symptoms in the earliest stages which can make it very difficult to diagnose early.
Some symptoms could include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain in the pelvis area or lower back
If you have any concerns about symptoms, you should make an appointment with your GP, and they may then organise further investigations.
Cervical Screening
The NHS cervical screening programme invites women aged between 25 and 64 to attend regular screening appointments. These appointments are vital for picking up any early warning signs to prevent cancer from developing.
There is nothing to worry about when attending your appointment. You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down and lay comfortably on the bed. The medical practitioner will guide you on how to lay and try to help you to relax.
A nurse will gently insert a plastic instrument called a speculum into your vagina, which is a soft brush like instrument is then used to collect samples of cells from your cervix. They then remove the speculum, and the examination is complete. The process only takes a couple of minutes. You will then receive your results in a few days or weeks’ time, usually via post if there aren’t any concerns. If something is spotted, you may be asked to attend a second appointment so that further checks can take place. It is important not to panic if you receive an ‘abnormal’ result and make sure that you attend the next appointment.
If you have not received a letter or text from your GP inviting you for a screening, you can get in touch with them or your local sexual health clinic to book a free appointment.
Preventing Cervical Cancer
There are several factors that can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer such as:
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - HPV has been linked to cervical cancer. However, it is worth noting that HPV is common and most people who are sexually active have a form of HPV during their lifetime without it causing any harm.
- Contraceptive Pill - Being on the contraceptive pill has previously been linked to cervical cancer. However, it is important for women to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy and all contraceptive methods carry some risks. It is sensible to find out which method is right for you and to discuss this with your health provider.
- Having children - Having children increases your overall risk, although there is evidence to suggest that having children younger in life increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Family History - Women will have an increased risk if they have family members who have had cervical cancer or have themselves previously had cancer of the vulva, kidneys or bladder.
To lower your risk:
- Attend your regular screenings,
- Follow up with your GP if you fail to receive results or receive an abnormal result,
- Practice safe sex to minimise exposure to HPV,
- Avoid smoking,
- Adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.
Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
If you receive a concerning result of a routine smear appointment, your GP will arrange for you to see a specialist urgently so that further investigation can begin. Further tests will be taken to determine if cancerous cells are present. This is done by a colposcopy which is a method of taking samples from the abnormal areas. These cells can then be tested, and results will be shared with you and your GP promptly.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is often treatable. The type of treatment will depend on the size and type of cancer, exactly where it is located, whether it has spread and your general health.
Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted medicines.
If caught early enough, there is a good chance that the cancer can be removed successfully. When undergoing surgery, the womb and cervix are usually removed which means that it may not possible to conceive or carry a child.
Delays in Treatment
With the symptoms of cervical cancer being very mild or even non-existent, it is often diagnosed late, which will limit treatment options and reduces the chances of survival.
It is crucial therefore to seek treatment as early as possible with cervical cancer, so a speedy referral to a specialist and subsequent treatment is vital.
In most cases, GPs and medical professionals deal with screenings, referrals and treatment very efficiently, however delays do sometimes occur which can greatly impact a patient’s future.
If you or someone you love feels that there has been a delayed diagnosis of cancer, then you may choose to speak to a lawyer about making a claim.
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If you or your family feel that you have experience negligence treatment, contact one of our specialist team for advice. You will receive honest advice and there is absolutely no obligation to then proceed with a claim.
Please contact our experienced team of medical negligence lawyers on 01256 844888 or email enquiries@lambbrooks.com. Alternatively, you can speak to our online chat assistant who will pop up on your screen. They are a real person and will take your details and put you in touch with the best person to help you.
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.