Everything you need to know about cervical cancer

The Cancer Alliance is supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19-25 January), promoting the importance of screening and vaccinations to help prevent the disease that affects hundreds of women each year across Yorkshire and many thousands across the UK.

Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, and this week serves as a reminder to prioritise cervical health and take steps to reduce the risk of this cancer.

Why is cervical screening important?

Each year, more than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK (Source: Macmillan).

Each year in Yorkshire, 248 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 66 people sadly die from it. Around seven in ten women in Yorkshire aged 25 to 49 attend their screening appointment when invited to take part. (Source: Yorkshire Cancer Research).

Screening is essential because cervical cancer is almost completely preventable. NHS England’s ambition is to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, through a combination of HPV vaccination and cervical screening.

In England, cervical screening currently prevents 70% of all cervical cancer deaths. And if everyone attended cervical screening regularly, then as many as 83% of deaths could be prevented.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is among the organisations providing information and advice on cervical cancer and the processes involved in screening and vaccination. Click on the link.