Three ways to help eliminate cervical cancer

England is one of the first countries in the world to commit to eliminating cervical cancer with an ambition to do so by 2040.

Around 2,700 women and people with a cervix are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England every year so eliminating the disease will save thousands of lives.

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex). Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of cervical and other types of cancer.

There are three important ways you can help the NHS eliminate cervical cancer:

1. Book your NHS cervical screening appointment when invited.

NHS screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. It helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for high-risk HPV which causes nearly all cervical cancers. High-risk HPV causes abnormal cells to develop in the cervix which over time, if left untreated, turn into cancer.

While over 3.4 million people came forward for screening last year, figures show that 3 in 10 do not take up this potentially life-saving offer. That is why the NHS urges anyone eligible to come forward when invited. If you missed your last cervical screening, you don’t have to wait for your next invitation letter. Book an appointment with your GP practice now – it is not too late.

2. Get the HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine helps prevent HPV related cancers from developing by protecting against infection from some of the high risk strains of HPV. There are many strains of the virus – most are harmless but some types are ‘high-risk’ as they are linked to the development of cancers that can affect both boys and girls including cervical, anal, genital, head and neck cancers.

The HPV vaccination is offered to boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years old (in school Year 8) and older children up to school leaving age (Years 9-11) via schools and community clinic settings. It can also be given via GP practices as part of the catch up service for both boys and girls from the age of 14 up until the 25th birthday (applicable to boys born after 1 September 2006 who became eligible from September 2019).

As the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, it is important that women and people with a cervix who have received the HPV vaccine still come forward for their cervical screening which uses a test to check for all types of high-risk HPV.

3. Look out for symptoms of cervical cancer

Symptoms include:

• vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during
• or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
• changes to your vaginal discharge
• pain during sex
• pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy

These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions but it’s important to get them checked by a GP.

For more information

Find out more about cervical screening. 

If you have any symptoms you are worried about, contact your doctor. 

Watch our animated video on cervical screening. 

Listen to some top tips on cervical screening from an NHS nurse.