Cervical Cancer

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Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35.

It affects just under 3,000 women per year in the UK (Cancer Research UK statistics 2003). To read a personal account from someone who has experienced Cervical Cancer, please click here.

You are at a higher risk of developing Cervical Cancer if you:

• Have had Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. This is a common viral infection that is passed on during sexual intercourse and you may not know that you have it. (Click here for more information on HPV).
  
• Have had multiple sexual partners.
• Do not keep up with your smear tests.

Remember: being at a higher risk does not mean that you have or will get cancer, but it is important to get checked out.

Symptoms:

• Abnormal bleeding
  - bleeding after the menopause
  - bleeding between periods
  - heavier periods than normal

• Abnormal discharge
  - more than normal or strong smelling

• Painful sex

• Bleeding after sex

Remember: having these symptoms does not mean that you have or will get cancer, but it is important to get them checked out. The earlier a cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. If you do think you have any of these symptoms, click here to find out what to do next.