Cervical Cancer

There is no definite single cause in most cases. A viral infection of the cervix is present in most cases although it appears that Smoking increases a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix (CIN), which can be detected with a cervical smear test, do not give any symptoms. While some actual cancers of the cervix do not give rise to symptoms, most cause the woman to experience bleeding between her periods or after sex.

Cervical cancer is commonest among the over 50s but it can affect all age groups. Most women undertake smear tests and this is still the best way to detect the onset of abnormalities in the cervix and enables doctors to arrange treatment before the condition becomes serious. Smear tests are usually performed every three years but that can depend on the local health authority. If suspicious cells are detected then the patient would need to undergo a colposcopy which is carried out as part of out patient treatment.

Recently, scientists were said to be looking at carrying out major trials on a new vaccine designed to combat cervical cancer. Experts believe that the vaccine which is said to stop the HPV virus, which can cause the cancer, would prevent around 70% of cancers of the cervix.