The neck of the uterus (ie the cervix) connects the uterus and vagina into a woman’s body – this is where a baby goes through before it is born. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix multiply.
Cancer Research UK has pointed out that unusual vaginal bleeding is a sign of cervical cancer.
What is classified as ‘abnormal’ vaginal bleeding?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs “at times other than when you are menstruating”. Examples include:
- Between periods
- During or after sex (post coitus)
- At any time after your menopause
Other signs of cervical cancer include:
- Discomfort or pain during sex
- A vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
- Pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)
Smoking is thought to reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, which means that the body is struggling to resolve an HPV infection.
Those who use immunosuppressants for a long time may also be at increased risk of retaining the HPV virus.
In the UK, people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should be invited for a free NHS cervical screening (ie a smear test).
This invitation usually arrives by letter, so it is essential to register with a local GP along with updated contact details.
For more information and support regarding cervical examination, results and treatment, please contact Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust; their helpline is available at 0808 802 8000.
The charity Eve Appeal wanted to emphasize that the prospect of a complete cure is good for early-stage cervical cancer.
However, it decreases the further the cancer has grown in or around the cervix.
This emphasizes the importance of a regular lubrication test to identify something sooner.