Overview
Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of women globally — and it is almost entirely preventable. It is caused by persistent HPV infection, develops slowly through pre-cancer stages that screening can catch and treat cheaply, and the HPV vaccine (included in routine immunisation programmes worldwide) prevents most cases altogether.
Symptoms
- Often none in early stages
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- Unusual, sometimes foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic or lower back pain (later stages)
Causes & risk factors
- Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types
- Early sexual debut and multiple partners increasing HPV exposure
- HIV and weakened immunity
- Smoking
- Never being screened
Treatment & self-care
Screening (Pap smear, HPV test or visual inspection) every few years finds pre-cancer, which is treated with simple outpatient procedures before it ever becomes cancer. Established cancer is treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending on stage. Vaccinate daughters against HPV at the recommended age, and make screening a routine part of adult life from age 25-30.
See a doctor urgently if
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Any bleeding after menopause
- Persistent foul-smelling discharge
- Aged 25+ and never screened — book a screening visit