8 ways to help prevent cervical cancer

If we make sure we keep talking about women's health, we'll help break the taboos - and save lives in the process

We’re celebrating women this week at Woman magazine. For me, as a doctor, this means championing women’s health. For far too long it’s been mired in silence, shame and stigma, with old-fashioned ideas linking purity and cleanliness to our health. This silence is harming women, so this week we are focusing on a part of your body you may not think about very much – your cervix.

The cervix is the neck of the womb, which opens during labour to allow the baby to come out. It’s found at the top of the vagina and, if you ever examine yourself (perhaps to check for your coil threads), it feels a bit like the tip of your nose. Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer affecting females in the UK, with approximately 3,200 people being diagnosed each year. So what should you look for and is there anything you can do to prevent it?

1 KNOW YOUR NORMAL
I’m talking about your vaginal discharge. It’s normal to have some and, if you still have periods, you may notice that it changes throughout your menstrual cycle. But if your ‘normal’ changes, be that in amount, colour or odour, see your GP.

2 LOOK FOR BLEEDING
Any abnormal vaginal bleeding – this includes in between your periods (intermenstrual), after sex (post-coital) and after the menopause (post-menopausal), should be investigated.

3 BE AWARE OF SUBTLE SIGNS
Some of these might seem innocent, such as pain during sex, or in your lower back, tummy or pelvis. Keep a symptom diary and see a doctor promptly.