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).

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer can include:

• Vaginal bleeding unusual for you
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Pain in your lower back or pelvis.

Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked if you experience them. 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.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix. The first part of cervical screening is to have a smear test. 

Did you know 1 in 4 don't attend their cervical screening test?

If you are worried about having a smear test, read our online community blog post about 'overcoming smear fear' 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.

More information

The organisations listed below provide more information about having cervical screening

• The Eve Appeal

The Eve Appeal offers support for anyone affected by gynaecological cancers.

• Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo's Trust)

Jo's Trust has detailed information about cervical screening. This includes information for trans and non-binary people. 

Meet Ali

In the video below, Ali shares her experiences of living with cervical cancer from diagnosis to treatment.

Meet Martha

Martha talks about the emotional effects of being diagnosed with cervical cancer. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019 after cancerous cells were found following a smear test. Read Martha's story.

Meet Lauren

Lauren was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and has been clear of cancer for three years. Her fiancée, Claire, was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma in 2021 and has received care from the same surgeon and Macmillan nurse who supported Lauren. She talks about what it was like being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Read Lauren's story