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Privacy NoticeJanuary may signal the beginning of a new year, but it also marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22 to 28 January). In the UK, approximately 3,200 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed each year, meaning that around nine people will be told that they have cervical cancer every day. However, over recent decades, a lot of work has been done to bring those numbers down. “We have seen rates of cervical cancer reduce by 25% since the 1990s,” says Megan Winter, health information manager at Cancer Research UK. “That’s largely thanks to developments in research in two areas – the HPV vaccine and the cervical screening programme.”
“We have seen rates of cervical cancer reduce by 25% since the 1990s,” says Megan Winter
(Image: Cancer Research UK)
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In fact, NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and this week Jo’s Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, is calling on the government to support NHS England in its pledge. It’s also using this week to focus on women at any stage of menopause, and the difficulties many menopausal women face during cervical screening. “Cervical cancer is unique because there is a long latent period during which cell changes are occurring on the cervix but the person has no symptoms. These precancerous changes can be detected on a smear test, and any abnormalities treated,” explains Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Doctor and Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk). As a result, with the NHS Cervical Screening Programme saving around 5,000 lives a year, it’s still important to go to a smear test even if you’re going through the menopause or are postmenopausal. “Women should continue to attend smear tests (Pap smears or HPV tests) even if they are menopausal or postmenopausal. Cervical cancer screenings are vital for detecting abnormalities early – the risk of cervical cancer persists beyond menopause,” says Professor Christina Fotopoulou, clinical director of women’s health at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London. Meanwhile, some menopausal symptoms, such as unusual bleeding, can seem similar to symptoms of gynaecological cancers, including cervical cancer, which makes being aware of the similarities and differences even more crucial. So, with that in mind, here are five symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for…
It’s important to be able to recognise the symptoms of cervical cancer
(Image: GETTY)
Unusual vaginal bleeding “This means bleeding in between periods or bleeding at a time when you should not be bleeding, including after sex and after the menopause,” explains Dr Lee. “If something isn’t right, you should see your GP or go to a Sexual Health Clinic. Also, if you bleed around the time of menopause, having not bled for 12 months, this should be reported.” Abnormal vaginal discharge As cervical cancer grows it can affect tissue in surrounding areas which can lead to atypical discharge. “In cases of cervical cancer, look out for abnormal vaginal discharge, often foul smelling. The discharge may be pale pink, watery, brown or bloody.” Persistent pain Cervical cancer can lead to pain in different parts of the body, as well as discomfort during sex. “It can cause persistent pain in the lower back, legs or pelvic region, said to feel like a sharp pain or pressure in the lower abdomen,” she says. “As well as this, you may experience vaginal discomfort and/or pain during sexual intercourse, due to the physical presence of the tumour in the pelvis.”
22 to 28 January marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
(Image: GETTY)
Loss of appetite Like many other cancers, cervical cancer can lead to a loss of appetite which can cause unexplained weight loss. “Loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Cervical cancer cells produce cytokines which suppress the appetite and accelerate the metabolism,” adds Dr Lee. On the other hand, weight gain is very common during the menopause due to a range of factors including a decrease in muscle mass and changing hormone levels. Swollen legs In some cases, cervical cancer can cause swollen legs, feet and ankles, for instance if it is causing pressure on, or has spread to, the lymph nodes. “Swollen legs can be a symptom because of the pressure of the tumour on the venous blood in the pelvic region,” says Dr Lee. “The tumour presses on the veins preventing blood from returning to the heart, meaning blood and tissue fluid accumulate in the lower limbs.” Together we are beating cancer. By supporting Cancer Research UK, you are helping to fund life-saving cancer research. Donate monthly at cruk.org/donate Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealth
