Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, which is at the neck of the womb. It grows very slowly over time, and in the very early stages, it may not cause any symptoms at all.  

The UK has a cervical screening programme, which is designed to detect changes in the cells of the cervix before cancer develops. It is not a test for cancer, but if abnormal cells are detected, they can be treated to prevent cancer from developing.

If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation from your GP to attend an appointment for cervical screening. This is also called a “smear test”.  

Smear tests can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, as it is a very personal procedure, but they are vital to prevent cervical cancer. You can find information about smear tests and support on the MacMillan Cancer and Eve Appeal websites.

People aged 25 to 49 receive invitations for a smear test every 3 years. People aged 50 to 64 receive invitations every 5 years. However, you should contact your GP for advice if you are concerned about symptoms of cervical cancer.

The symptoms include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding. This can include bleeding between periods (also called “irregular bleeding”), bleeding after sex (also called “post-coital bleeding”), bleeding that is much heavier than is normal for you.

• Pain during sex.

• Pain in the lower back, pelvis, and / or lower abdomen.

• Changes in vaginal discharge.

Treatment for cervical cancer includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy.  If changes in the cells of the cervix are detected early, or if cancer is diagnosed in the very early stages, the outlook for treatment is very good.  

If cervical cancer is diagnosed in the later stages, treatment may need to be much more extensive and can cause infertility. Many people do not survive cervical cancer if it is diagnosed in the later stages. This is why it is so important to attend cervical screening appointments.

Gemma Lewis, Partner at MDS and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor, said “Recent statistics have shown that around 1 in 3 people do not attend for cervical screening. Promoting awareness of cervical cancer is so important because the outcome can be devastating if a diagnosis is delayed”.

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MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.

Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by a delay in diagnosing cervical cancer. Click here to read more about how we can help you, and here to read one of our client’s stories.

If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.