Aroundtown Magazine January/February 2024 edition

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Don’t ignore
your cervical cancer
screening invite!
Every day in the UK, two women
lose their lives to cervical
cancer and nine more receive
a life-changing diagnosis.
But cervical cancer can be prevented. Cervical
screening, or smear tests, can save lives by
stopping cervical cancer before it starts.
However, figures from Jo’s Cervical Cancer
Trust show that one in three women and people
with a cervix do not take up their screening invite.
South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance
are reminding people of the importance of
attending screening when invited.
What is a smear test?
A smear test, or cervical screening, is not a test
for cancer. It checks the health of your cervix and
helps find any abnormal changes before they can
turn into cancer. A sample taken from your cervix
checks for the human papillomavirus (aka HPV).
Cervical sceening is available to anyone with
a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64 in the UK.
Eligible people will be contacted and asked to
make an appointment at their GP surgery. You
may get your first invite up to six months before
you turn 25. The screening is usually done by a
female nurse or doctor.
Your cervical screening result will help decide
when you are next invited for cervical screening.
This could be every year, every three years, or
every five years.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common
virus that lives on the skin and can affect the
cervix. There are over 200 types of HPV – most
are low-risk and cause no problems, but around
13 are high-risk and are linked to cancer.
HPV is usually passed on through sexual
contact, which can make some people feel
worried or embarrassed. But it is nothing to be
ashamed of. Because HPV lives on our skin, it
is easy to get and difficult to completely protect
against. At some point during our lives, eight in
ten people will get HPV.
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What if I get HPV?
In most cases, your immune system will get
rid of HPV without it causing any problems. If
your cervical screening shows that you have
HPV, you’ll be invited back more regularly (after
a year) to keep a closer eye on you. If high risk
HPV is detected, the sample is then checked for
abnormal cells.
There is no treatment for HPV itself, but there
are treatments for conditions caused by HPV,
including genital warts, cervical cell changes and
cancer. Persistent HPV infection is what causes
the cells in the cervix to change. Over time, these
abnormal cells may develop into cervical cancer
if not monitored or treated.
Reducing your
risk of HPV
You can’t completely protect against HPV.
But there are ways you can reduce your risk of
getting HPV or developing a persistent infection
that your immune system can’t get rid of.
Stopping smoking, getting the HPV vaccine
if you are eligible, and having safer sex (using
condoms or dental dams) all help to reduce
your risk.
What are the symptoms
of cervical cancer?
While a smear test is the best protection
against cervical cancer, it does not stop
every case. Being aware of the symptoms
may mean cervical cancer is detected and
treated early.
The most common symptoms of
cervical cancer include:
• Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you,
including after the menopause, after sex,
or between regular periods
• Changes to vaginal discharge
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Unexplained pain in your lower back
or between your hip bones (pelvis)
Tips for your cervical
screening test
• If you feel uncomfortable in waiting rooms,
you may want to ask to book the first
appointment of the day. This can mean it is
quieter and there is less time for you to wait.
• Wear something comfy and easy to get
on and off. Some people feel more covered
wearing a skirt or dress as they only need
to remove their underwear. Ask if you
can bring a spare shawl or blanket to cover
yourself if it makes you feel more at ease.
You might experience spotting after your
cervical screening, so you may want to wear
a fuller brief with a liner or sanitary pad.
• Speculums come in different sizes. If you
find the standard size too uncomfortable,
you can ask to try another size. Lying in a
different position, such as on your side with
your knees bent, may also make the test
more comfortable.
• If you have gone through or are going
through the menopause, let your doctor or
nurse know. After menopause, the opening
of the vagina and vaginal walls become less
able to stretch, which can make the test
more uncomfortable. A vaginal oestrogen
cream or pessary may help.
• Don’t rush off. Take your time to recover
and make sure you feel okay before you
leave. Arrange for someone to pick you up
in case you don’t feel great after.
• Ask questions. Speak to your friends,
nurses, or colleagues for reassurance,
especially before your first cervical
screening or if you have previously
experienced anything that makes the test
hard for you.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week:
22nd - 28th January 2024
Join the conversation
#CervicalCancerPreventionWeek
Find out more at
www.jostrust.org.uk/CCPW
Or for advice, call their free national
helpline on 0808 802 8000