It is a sad fact, but most cases of cervical cancer could be prevented. Thanks to cervical screening doctors can find and treat early changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. Cervical screening is sometimes referred to as the “smear test”.
How common is it?
Because of the national screening programme the number of new cases of cervical cancer is now falling. Doctors diagnose around 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer in the UK every year. It can affect women of any age who are, or once were, sexually active.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer usually starts in cells on the surface of the cervix. It happens when cells begin to grow and divide out of control. These cells gradually spread into the tissue of the cervix. From there they may move to other parts of the body such as the vagina, womb or bowl.
A virus called HPV can cause changes in the cervix, that may lead to cervical cancer.
What is HPV
Scientists have linked nearly all cases of cervical cancer to a common virus called Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. It is a sexually transmitted infection caught by having sexual contact with someone who has it. Most sexually active women will be infected with HPV at some point because it is very common. The types of HPV that causes cervical cancer have no symptoms. Usually the virus clears up on it´s own and causes no problems. But if HPV persists it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix which may lead to cancer if left untreated. HPV itself does not show up in cervical screening and cannot be treated.
Some people may hae heard that HPV causes genital warts. This is true, but the types of HPV that cause warts are different from the ones that cause cancer.
Why screening is important
Cervical screening (also known as the “smear test”) checks the health of the cervix. It helps doctors find changes in the cervix before they have a chance to develop into cancer. Treating early changes can prevent cervical cancer from developing. Treatment is easy and effective. Cervical screening saves the lives of thousands of women every year.
Information taken from www.cancerresearchuk.org
Disclaimer
All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.