Cervical Cancer Prevention Week was launched in January 2007 and it objectives were to raise awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention. We are about to enter the third year of this, with exciting new developments having been introduced, namely the introduction of the HPV immunisation programme.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer in women. It is caused by certain types of a common virus called human papillomavirus or HPV.  Cervical cancer is a consequence of persistent infection with a cancer causing type of virus and is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells in the cervix. There are nearly 100 types of the virus, most being non cancer-causing types and do not lead to cervical cancer.  However, the cancer- causing types can cause the development of abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.  The immune system is able to clear the virus, but sometimes they remain deep in the cells of the cervix, and over the period of 10-20 years they can cause cervical cancer; occasionally the process can happen faster.  The early stages of cervical cancer produce no signs or symptoms.  This is why it is important for anyone who has ever been sexually active to have regular cervical smear tests – when a small sample of cells are taken to detect the virus – this is currently the only way to detect abnormal cell changes, an early sign of pre-cancer. The seeking of early advice for any abnormal bleeding or discharge is also very important in detection and prevention.

Cervical cancer is not hereditary, and 99.7% of cases are caused by the HPV virus. It is important to remember that this virus is very widespread and very easily passed from person to person.  Up to 75% of women who have ever been sexually active are likely to be infected with the virus at some time in their lives.  Fortunately the majority of these are cleared by our own immune system.  The virus is spread during sex, either through intercourse or even sometimes from intimate skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Practising safe sex with the use of condoms offers some protection, although this does not give full protection as the skin around the genital area can also carry the virus.

How Can I Protect Myself?

There are three ways we can protect ourselves:

Healthy Lifestyles:

It is always a good idea to reflect on your lifestyle and to think about any changes you could make towards healthier habits.  Cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking and taking more exercise are small changes you can easily make to keep your immune system healthy.

Regular Smear Tests:

Cervical screening has been a huge success and has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer across the world.  The UK has one of the world-leading programmes.  Treatment is effective if the disease is caught early; indeed in the pre-cancerous stage, and can also preserve fertility.

Vaccination:

Your immune system is designed to protect you from infections, but in some cases – such as some HPV infections – your natural immunity may not be sufficient to protect you. The vaccination works by stimulating your immune system to provide protection against the most common cancer-causing HPV infections. Like most vaccines it is designed to give you immunity against infection without the need to experience the disease or its symptoms. Once vaccinated your immune system recognises invading viruses and produces antibodies to try to destroy or disable them. As vaccination does not protect against all strains of HPV infection it is still very important to attend for regular smear tests.

Vaccination programme:

Beginning in September 2008 girls aged 12 to 13 years were offered the HPV vaccination as part of a national HPV immunisation programme, and it is also offered to 17 and 18 year old girls.  During 2009 and 2010 there will be a further catch-up programme, so that all girls leaving school after 2010 will have been offered the vaccine, therefore offering some protection against cervical cancer later in life.  Three injections are needed over the period of six months.  If you are not included in the programme because of your age, it will depend on government guidelines and your local NHS policy.  You can, however, obtain the vaccine privately, which costs between £400 and £450 for the full course.