Cervical Cancer in Scotland

Cervical cancer is a cancer that affects women. It happens when too many cells grow in the opening to the uterus (the uterus is the bit where the babies grow, and the cervix joins the uterus to the vagina).

It is the 12th most common type of cancer in women in Scotland. Roughly 3600 women in Scotland are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 295 are diagnosed with cervical cancer (there are about 5 million people living in Scotland). [Data from IDS Scotland]

Women in Scotland are invited for a cervical smear test every three years. This test can find cervical cancer early and the earlier it is found the easier it is to treat. Most people with cervical cancer are diagnosed early (that is two-thirds of women have Stage I disease) and most people (70 %) live for five years or more after they’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

The former Big Brother contestant Jade Goody, has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and it is at an advanced stage, which means it has spread from her cervix to other parts of her body, you can read more about that in this article in the Telegraph.

What can you do to prevent cervical cancer?

1 Go to your smear test (and go to follow up appointments too)

2 Don’t smoke

3 If you are aged between 12 years and 18 years get the cervical cancer vaccine.

Go for screening!  If you are aged between 20 and 60 you will be invited for screening every 3 years. About 70 % of women in Scotland go to these appointments, that means 30 % of women don’t.  Cervical screening can pick up cells abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer haven’t had regular smears, it makes sense to treat the abnormal cells before they become a problem.

If you smoke, stop! Smoking increases your risk of cervical cancer.

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by a sexually transmitted virus, HPV 16 and 18.  There is now a vaccine given to girls in Scotland between the ages of 12 and 18 years. It is important to get the vaccine before you have sex. You can find out more out the NHS vaccination program here.

For more information on cervical cancer, have a look at the Macmillan website and click on the links at the left for more detail. For help and support and confidential medical advice look at Jo’s Trust website.  If you know of any other useful links, please leave a comment below. Thanks.