Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

There are two main types of cervical cancer.

The most common is squamous cell carcinoma. This develops from a type of cell that covers the outside of the cervix, at the top of the vagina.
The other type is adenocarcinoma. This develops from a different type of cell found in the cervical canal (the endocervix).

Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. It is usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests (this includes a smear test).

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix. Cervical screening looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix. If HPV is found, the sample is checked for any abnormal cells

Did you know 1 in 3 don't attend their cervical screening test?

If you are worried about going for cervical screening, read our online community blog post helpful. This article covers ways to help make cervical screening work for you.

If you are a trans man or non-binary person and have a cervix, you should have screening too. If you are registered as male with your GP you may not be sent an invitation. Tell your GP if you want to have cervical screening so they can arrange regular tests for you.

We have more information about screening for trans and non-binary people including a walk-though at a cervical screening clinic.

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. It usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests.

Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

heavier periods than you normally have
vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina
pain or discomfort during sex
urine infections that keep coming back
pain in the lower tummy or back.

If you get have any of these symptoms between your regular cervical screening appointments, do not wait for your next appointment. Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

Other organisations who can help

The Eve Appeal has more information about cervical screening for trans and non-binary people. This includes some tips to help attending a cervical screening appointment..