Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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 (this includes a smear test).

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.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer, also known as cancer of the cervix. A cervical screening test is a way of collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix. The UK's cervical screening programme is estimated to save 5000 lives a year (The Eve Appeal).

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.

The Eve Appeal have tips for cervical screening appointment more comfortable. This includes tailored information for survivors of sexual violence, and for trans and non-binary people.

Who should have cervical screening?

Anyone with a cervix is eligible for screening in the UK. The screening programme starts at age 25 until age 64. You will be sent an invitation by your GP if you are registered female.

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.