Around 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK and tragically, there are around 850 deaths from the disease annually. In the UK, a staggering 99.8 per cent of cervical cancer cases are preventable, so catching it early is crucial.
It's vital to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms so you can consult a GP when necessary. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week (June 17-23), Alexandra Penk, Litigation Executive at Patient Claim Line , has compiled advice on the red-flag symptoms of cervical cancer and what steps to take if you've experienced delayed treatment. She said: "According to Cervical Cancer UK , cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way.
The cervix is part of the female reproductive system; more specifically, the opening to the vagina from the womb. Cervical cancer is not thought to be hereditary. In 99.
7% of cases, cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology . "HPV is a very common virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. According to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust , around four in every five sexually active adults (80%) will be infected with some type of HPV in their lives.
However, for the majority of women this will not result in cervical cancer. While HPV infection is common, cervical cancer is quite rare." To preven.
