Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina).

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that can be passed on through any type of sexual contact with a man or a woman. Four out of five people in Scotland will have HPV at some point in their lives. It’ll usually be cleared by the body itself in time. But some types can lead to cervical cancer.

There are usually no symptoms of HPV or with changes in cervical cells. That’s why it’s really important to be the early bird and attend your cervical screening (smear) test when invited.

Contact your GP practice as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms, even between smear tests:

• Unusual bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, persistently between periods or after the menopause.
• Unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge.
• Pain in your pelvic area (below the belly button).

There are many other conditions that could cause these symptoms. So while it’s probably nothing to worry about, you should contact your GP practice. Whatever it is, the earlier it’s found the easier it will be to treat.

As well as looking out for the signs and symptoms above, it’s important to keep an eye out for your letter through the post asking you to make an appointment for a test. All women and people with a cervix in Scotland aged 25-64 are routinely invited for a cervical screening (smear) test every 5 years.

Many women have now been vaccinated against HPV with great success, however it is still important to attend for smear test when invited even if you have been vaccinated.

Cervical screening could save your life.

If you have symptoms, your GP practice wants to know. If it isn’t serious, the doctor or nurse can put your mind at ease. And if it is, finding out earlier means it’s more likely that treatments will be successful.

Many people put off getting symptoms checked as they’re worried they’ll be wasting the doctor’s or nurse’s time – or they might feel embarrassed. Remember, they see hundreds of patients every year and are here to help.

If you’d feel more comfortable with a female nurse or doctor, be sure to mention this when you contact your GP practice.

They might:

• Ask about your medical history to try and understand what may be causing the symptoms. They may also ask about your last cervical screening result.
• Ask about the possibility of you having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which may be causing the symptoms. They may also ask if you are using any contraception.
• Ask about the possibility of you being pregnant and ask you to take a pregnancy test.

If its suspected that you have cervical cancer, you will be referred to a gynaecologist (a specialist in the female reproductive system) for further tests.