Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025
Did you know cervical cancer can be prevented? Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is observed annually in January to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection, vaccination, and screening in saving lives.
Cervical cancer most commonly develops from the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is preventable through vaccination.
What is cervical cancer screening?
Cervical screening is a test offered to women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 to help prevent cervical cancer. It looks for HPV (the virus which causes nearly all cervical cancers) and any changes to the cells which can then be treated or monitored to prevent them from developing into cancer.
You will get an invitation letter near your 25th birthday for a cervical screening test. You can then contact your GP surgery to book your appointment.
Find out more information about attending cervical screening when invited.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. It is usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests.
Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- heavier periods than you normally have
- vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after the menopause.
If you get symptoms between your regular cervical screening appointments, do not wait for your next appointment. Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get checked. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand.
For more information about symptoms, click here.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It's recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
There are over 100 types of this virus. Some types of HPV can affect the cervix. The types that cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix are called high-risk HPV. Find out more about the HPV vaccination here.
Where can I find support and further information?
If you are worried or find it difficult to attend cervical screening, you can find support and further information here.
If you would like to talk to someone about gynae health, you can contact The Eve Appeal. Their free nurse-led information service provides information and advice on gynae health, including HPV, cervical screening and follow up by emailing nurse@eveappeal.org.uk or calling 0808 802 0019.
Our host organisation, The Advocacy Project, has been working on its 'Cancer - Screen - Protect - Detect' project in the bi-borough to improve access to cancer screening for people with learning disabilities. Find out more about this project here.
