What women need to know about: cervical cancer

I’m sure many of you by now will know about our partnership with The Eve Appeal gynaecological cancer research charity – if not, you can read all about it here.

As a feminine hygiene provider, we feel it is our duty to help fight women’s cancers and we give as much support as we can to The Eve Appeal. For every Femcare™ MVP unit that is sold in the UK we donate 50p, and we raise awareness of the charity and its aims by including the logo on our Femcare™ MVP sanitary bins.

So, why are we trying to spread the word? Well, although the British NHS offers free cervical screening to all women over the age of 25, many women won’t attend their appointment. This is often due to embarrassment, a feeling that ‘it won’t happen to me’, or not knowing the possible signs and symptoms.

A recent study from The Eve Appeal found that despite extensive media coverage on cervical cancer, much of it predicated by Jade Goody’s sad death in March 2009, women’s knowledge of cervical cancer symptoms and risk factors for the disease remains woefully low.

In fact, when asked to think of possible symptoms of cervical cancer, 40% of women were unable to name any.

Unbelievable, isn’t it, considering that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 in the UK.

We would, therefore, like to use this opportunity to highlight the main symptoms, because if just one woman reads this and knows what signs to look out for, we could save a life!

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is also known as the neck of the womb.

Cervical cancer can affect women of all ages but is most common in women between 30-45 years of age. It is very rare in women under 25, which is why cervical screening doesn’t usually happen until then.

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a common sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). Most women have HPV at some time in their life, which usually clears up on its own. If the infection does not clear up, there is a risk of abnormal cells developing which could become cervical cancer over time.

A cervical screening – previously known as a smear test – can prevent cervical cancer and save thousands of lives each year.

The earliest cervical cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome will be so it is important to know the signs and symptoms.

Early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

• Any unusual bleeding from the vagina particularly:
• After intercourse
• After the menopause
• Persistent vaginal discharge that is blood-stained or smells unpleasant

Actions that may reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer;

– Go for a cervical screening when you are invited to

– Have the HPV vaccine if you are offered it

– If you smoke, try to stop

– Use a condom to reduce your risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections

Even if you have had a normal screening result or have been vaccinated against HPV, it is important to let your doctor know if you develop any of the signs or symptoms of cervical cancer so they can be checked out. Like all screening tests, cervical screenings are not 100% perfect, and the HPV vaccine does not stop all types of HPV that may cause cervical cancer.

Early diagnosis can save lives

Be informed and make a plan:

– Know the signs and symptoms and if you experience any, tell your doctor.

– Promptly attend your cervical screening when invited. For most women, the best protection is regular screening.

– If you are under 18, get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself against developing cervical cancer.

“We know that earlier diagnosis of cervical cancer can help save lives, so our message to women is to start talking, spread the word about signs and symptoms of the diseases, and help break down the wall of embarrassment that could put their lives at risk.”

Dr. Dawn Harper, Doctor and TV Presenter

Embarrassment remains a large factor in why women don’t themselves spread the word about signs and symptoms. There remains a strong embarrassment factor associated with cervical cancer and The Eve Appeal report found that one in four women find talking about gynaecological symptoms embarrassing even with friends and family.

At Vectair, even our male staff are fully up-to-date on everything cervical cancer-related. If they can talk about it openly, we are sure all the women out there can too!

(information taken from The Eve Appeal signs and symptoms information leaflet)

Find the full The Eve Appeal research report, ‘What Women Know Report on Awareness Levels of Cervical Cancer amongst Women in England’ here