CERVICAL cancer is a devastating disease with potentially tragic consequences.

But being aware of it, the symptoms and why it's important to have regular smears can be a life-saver.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is defined as when the disease starts in the neck of the womb, otherwise known as the cervix.

Between 2016-2018 there were 3,197 new cases – and 854 deaths, which means its the most common form of the disease in women under 35.

Generally, it's caused by persistent infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is contracted through sex.

Thankfully, most young women in the UK are now immunised against it, although boys aren't.

Two strains of the HPV virus (HPV 16 and HPV 18) are known to be responsible for most cases, but most women who have them don't develop cervical cancer.

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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

There are no obvious symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer – that's why it's best to keep up with your smears when reminded by your GP.

However, vaginal bleeding can often be a tell-tale sign, especially if it occurs after sex, in between periods or after the menopause.

That said, abnormal bleeding is not a definite sign of the condition, just a possible indicator.

Nevertheless, it should be investigated by your GP as soon as possible.

Other warning signs include:

• pain and discomfort during sex
• unusual or unpleasant vaginal discharge
• pain in your lower back or pelvis

And if it spreads to other organs, the signs can include:

• pain in your lower back or pelvis
• severe pain in your side or back caused by your kidneys
• constipation
• peeing or pooing more than usual
• losing control of your bladder or bowels
• blood in your pee
• swelling in one or both legs
• severe vaginal bleeding

How can I screen for cervical cancer?

Cervical screenings, or smear tests, are a preventative swab used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix – the entrance to the womb from the vagina.

Detecting these cells and then removing them can prevent cervical cancer. It’s not a test for cervical cancer itself.

Most women’s results show everything is totally normal – the test picks up abnormalities in around one in 20 women.

Cervical screening is carried out under the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, which was introduced in the 1980s.

Every woman over the age of 25 who has a GP is invited for screening – and it doesn’t matter if you’re sexually active or not.

It is possible for women of all ages to develop cervical cancer, but it’s extremely rare in women under 25.

If a sample tests positive for high-risk HPV, cells will then be analysed for abnormalities.

If abnormalities are detected, a woman will be referred for a colposcopy for further analysis.

For more information, visit Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

If diagnosed, how is the disease treated?

The type of treatment depends on the stage and severity of each case, but there are several ways to treat cervical cancer.

Often, it's possible to have surgery without undergoing a hysterectomy  (the removal of the womb) although this is a rather routine procedure.

Alternatively, radiotherapy is a common option for those with early stages of the disease.

Meanwhile, those with more serious cases may need both surgery and radiotherapy, plus additional chemotherapy.

What are the odds of overcoming cervical cancer?

Fortunately, the condition is almost completely preventable and can be forecast with regular smear tests.

And, even if you – or a loved one – is diagnosed, it has an average survival rate of 51 per cent, according to a the stats from 2013-2017 in England.

For women who have stage 1 of the disease, survival for more than five years can be 99 per cent.

For stage 2, that becomes 60-90 per cent, while stage 3 is 30-50 per cent.

Those with stage 4 cervical cancer have a one-in-five chance of combating the illness and living more than half a decade.

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