Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2024

22 January 2024 - by Cancer Care Map

This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22nd – 28th January), and we’re supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of cervical cancer, encourage uptake of the HPV vaccination and cervical screening, and asking UK Government to prioritise cervical cancer.

Prioritising cervical cancer as a health policy, committing to eliminating cervical cancer, and to developing a holistic strategy that improves and supports the cancer prevention programmes, can help stop cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Everyday in the UK there are 9 new diagnoses and 2 women will lose their lives. In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer. For the first time ever, the world has committed to eliminating a cancer.

HPV vaccination and cervical screening can help prevent, and one day end cervical cancer. However, uptake has been falling in many parts of the country.

Across the UK, you’ll find a multitude of services including local cervical screening services as well as HPV vaccinations. You can also use our Cancer Care Map to find national and local support services for those living with and affected by cervical cancer.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. It provides information and support to anyone affected and campaigns for excellence in cervical cancer treatment, care and prevention. Its national Helpline is free, confidential and on 0808 802 8000.

Cervical Cancer Facts: 

• Every day nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK and two women will lose their lives. 
• Almost all (99.7%) cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. That is why it is important to get regularly screened and get vaccinated if you’re offered it to help protect against HPV infection.  
• Cervical screening (smear tests) saves thousands of lives a year, or around 7 in 10 cases of cervical cancer  
• Across the UK 1 in 3 do not attend when invited for their cervical screening 
• The most common symptom is bleeding in between periods or after sex. Other symptoms include post-menopausal bleeding, unusual discharge, unexplained pain between hipbones and pain during sex. Chances are it isn’t cervical cancer but best to see a GP if experiencing any.  
• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust have information and support about all things HPV, cervical screening and cervical cancer. No questions is too big or small. 
• Through raising awareness of cervical screening, spreading important information about the HPV vaccine and calling on governments to take action, we can make cervical cancer be the first cancer in history we have eliminated.