Cervical Screening and HPV Vaccinations.

In November 2023 NHS England outlined its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. They plan to increase access to the HPV vaccinations and cervical screenings as well as increase awareness of the importance of both.

Cancer Research UK recently reported that in the last five year period, for the first time on record, no women of early 20s age had died from cervical cancer in England. It was found that nine out of 10 women within that age group had received the HPV vaccine, mostly during the age of 12 - 13 when it is most effective for protection.

This study shows just how important preventative measures are and the impact they can have when implemented efficiently.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a cancer that is found anywhere is the cervix. You can get cervical cancer at any age but it is most common in women aged between 30 and 35. You may be more likely to get cervical cancer if you:

• Have a weakened immune system
• Have given birth to multiple children
• Have had children at an early age
• Smoke
• Have taken the contraceptive pill for over five years
• Have had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the past

Symptoms and cervical cancer can include:

• Pain in your lower back
• Pain in your pelvis
• Pain in your lower abdomen
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Changes to your discharge
• Pain during sex

These symptoms can be caused by different conditions, but it is important to get them checked by a GP if you are experiencing them.

Almost all types of cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus. To reduce your risk of cervical cancer you can attend cervical screenings. All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years.

Cervical screening

During a screening appointment a sample of cells will be taken from the cervix and this is tested for certain types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. If these types of HPV are found the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of the cervix which can then be treated to help prevent cervical cancer.

If abnormal cells are found in the cervix the usual procedure is to have a colposcopy, and a biopsy may be collected to send to the laboratory. If you have cervical cancer further tests such as blood tests and scans may be carried out to establish grading and staging of the cancer.

Cervical cancer if often treatable but the treatment varies depending on the type of cervical cancer, where the cancer is located, where it has spread to and what your general health is like. Treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

HPV vaccination

In 2008 the UK introduced the HPV vaccination programme where all girls aged 12 to 13 were offered the HPV vaccine which helps protect against the types of human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer, this was then extended to boys in 2019.

Whilst it’s encouraging to see the success of the vaccine, there is still work to be done. People who have received the vaccination should still take part in cervical screening when invited, as the vaccine doesn’t give absolute protection against all strains of HPV. The HPV vaccination and cervical screening combined is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer.

If you feel that you or a loved one have suffered a misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis of cancer, please reach out to our Clinical Negligence Department who will be able to assist.