18 January 2017
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Smear for Smear with Us this Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
We’re getting involved in Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. One in four women in the UK doesn’t attend their cervical screening. We know it’s easy to put it off; whether you’re too busy, don’t feel you’re at risk or are scared of the procedure. But we’ve got the facts on why it’s so important to make time for your smear test!
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Your cervix is at the top end of your vagina; it separates your vagina from your uterus and has a small hole in it that allows period blood through and opens up during childbirth. Cervical cancer happens when tumours grow on your cervix. One of the main causes of cervical cancer is HPV; an extremely common virus that around 80% of people come into contact with at some point from having sex. It’s usually completely harmless but can cause the cells in your cervix to become abnormal and cancerous. Girls are now vaccinated against HPV at the age of 12, but if you were born before 1991 you probably haven’t had the vaccine. There are a few signs of cervical cancer:- Bleeding between periods or during/after sex
- Bleeding after the menopause, unless you’re on HRT
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Discomfort/pain during sex
- Lower back pain