It’s unlikely that going for a smear test is top of your favourite-ways-to-spend-halfan-hour list. But the stark truth is, it could save your life.
Every year, over 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK – it’s the second most common cancer after breast cancer. However, if caught in the early stages, when cells might be abnormal but not yet cancerous, it can be treated much more easily, and your chances of surviving it are high.
From 18 to 24 January this year, the cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust are launching Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, with the aim of making women aware of the signs as well as encouraging them to go for screening.
‘Our main aim is to prevent cervical cancer, and one of the best ways of doing that is to remind people of the symptoms to look out for, as well as the importance of vaccination and screening,’ says Rebecca Shoosmith, deputy chief executive of Jo’s Trust.
WE GIVE YOU THE FACTS...
Cervical cancer: what causes it?
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses, 15 of which most commonly cause cervical cancer – although two in particular, HPV 16 and HPV 18, pose the highest risk. Many women will contract HPV at some point in their lives, but in the vast majority of cases, it doesn’t lead to cervical cancer. It can be caught through sex, skin-to-skin contact of the genital area or sharing sex toys. It can take between 10 and 20 years for HPV to develop into cancer.
HPV vaccination
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?