Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: Protecting Women’s Health Together

Every year, Cervical Cancer Prevention Week reminds us of the importance of raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and taking proactive steps to protect women’s health. This week-long initiative is more than just a calendar event; it’s a vital opportunity to educate, empower, and encourage conversations about cervical cancer, a disease that affects thousands of women globally.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. Although cervical cancer can be life-threatening if left untreated, it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early.

Why Cervical Cancer Prevention Week Matters

Cervical cancer affects over 3,000 women annually in the UK, with many cases being preventable through regular screening and vaccination. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week aims to:

1. Raise Awareness – Educating the public about the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of cervical cancer.
2. Encourage Screening – Highlighting the importance of attending regular cervical screenings (smear tests).
3. Promote Vaccination – Advocating for HPV vaccination as a key preventive measure.
4. Support Women – Breaking the stigma surrounding cervical health and encouraging open conversations.

Understanding the Risks

While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, several factors can increase the risk, including:

• Smoking: Tobacco weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off HPV infections.
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives: Studies suggest that prolonged use of birth control pills may slightly increase the risk.
• Multiple pregnancies: Having many full-term pregnancies has been linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer.
• Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV or medications that suppress immunity can make it harder for the body to clear HPV infections.

Prevention is Key

The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable with the right measures in place. Here’s how you can take control of your cervical health:

1. Attend Regular Screenings

Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a vital tool in detecting abnormalities in cervical cells before they develop into cancer. In the UK:

• Women aged 25 to 49 are invited for screening every three years.
• Women aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years.

Screening can feel daunting, but it’s a quick procedure that can save lives. If you’re overdue for your test, let Cervical Cancer Prevention Week be the nudge you need to book your appointment.

2. Get the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is a game-changer in preventing cervical cancer. It protects against the most common high-risk HPV types. In the UK, the vaccine is offered to boys and girls aged 12 to 13 as part of the NHS vaccination programme. However, older individuals up to the age of 25 can still benefit from the vaccine if they didn’t receive it in school.

3. Practise Safe Sexual Health

Using barrier methods like condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. While condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV, they are an effective measure for reducing risk.

4. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

A strong immune system is essential for clearing HPV infections naturally. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can all contribute to better overall health and lower cancer risk.

Recognising Symptoms

Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no symptoms, making regular screenings even more critical. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., after sex, between periods, or after menopause).
• Pain or discomfort during sex.
• Unexplained pelvic or back pain.
• Vaginal discharge with an unusual colour or odour.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your GP. Early detection saves lives.

Breaking Down Barriers

Despite the importance of cervical health, many women avoid screenings due to embarrassment, fear, or lack of awareness. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week encourages us to address these barriers and normalise conversations about cervical health. Here’s how we can help:

1. Talk Openly: Share your experiences with friends and family to break the stigma surrounding smear tests and HPV.
2. Support One Another: Accompany a friend or family member to their screening appointment if they’re feeling nervous.
3. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn about cervical health and share accurate information to dispel myths.

How You Can Get Involved

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a collective effort. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Spread the Word: Use social media to share facts, resources, and personal stories about cervical cancer prevention.
• Organise Events: Host community talks, workshops, or fundraisers to raise awareness and support charities working towards cervical cancer prevention.
• Support Charities: Donate to organisations like Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, which provides invaluable support to women affected by cervical cancer.

Looking Ahead: A Future Without Cervical Cancer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set an ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by the end of the century. This can be achieved through widespread vaccination, increased screening coverage, and effective treatment of pre-cancerous conditions. By working together, we can contribute to this vision and save countless lives.

Final Thoughts

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting women’s health. Whether it’s booking your screening, encouraging a loved one to attend theirs, or raising awareness in your community, every effort counts. Together, we can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and move closer to a world where this disease is a thing of the past.

Let’s use this week to take action, spark conversations, and make a real difference. Because when it comes to cervical cancer, prevention truly is better than cure.