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News & Knowledge » Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Symptoms, smear tests and HPV explained
January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness of symptoms to look out for, highlighting the importance of getting screened and explaining what happens at a pap smear test appointment.
Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cell changes in the cervix. The presence of these cells does not cause symptoms but may be found with a cervical screening test. If the tests show abnormal cell changes, treatment can prevent cancer developing.
Every year, around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and if it is detected and diagnosed early, it can usually be treated. Below we answer some commonly asked questions related to cervical cancer.
What causes cervical cancer?
The main risk factor for cervical cancer is an infection called the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of this virus. Some types of HPV can affect the cervix and cause abnormal cell changes that may develop into cervical cancer.
How do you get HPV?
HPV spreads from person to person on the skin during sex. The virus can live on the skin around the whole genital area. If you contract HPV, you may be at risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.
HPV passes easily from person to person during any type of sexual contact. Using a condom or other barrier contraception may reduce your risk of HPV infection, but it does not offer complete protection.
HPV can affect all sexual orientations and anyone who has ever been sexually active.
How to test for HPV – Pap smear explained
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix). It uses tests to find abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
The first part of cervical screening is to have a smear test. This is also called the cervical screening test.
Abnormal cell changes in the cervix are common, and often improve naturally. But sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer.
Abnormal changes cause no symptoms. You will not know if you have them unless you have cervical screening. Screening finds abnormal cell changes, including the ones that are most likely to become cancer. These cells can then be treated.
Who can have cervical screening?
Cervical screening is for anyone who has a cervix. It is important to have, even if you have had the HPV vaccination. The vaccination protects against the most common types of high-risk HPV that cause cervical cancers. But it does not protect against all types.
It is safe to have cervical screening if you are pregnant, but you can usually delay it if you prefer. A screening test (the cervical smear test) during pregnancy may cause a small amount of bleeding afterwards. This is normal and does not affect your baby.
Smear test age
The NHS will contact you when it is time for your cervical screening if you are:
- 25 to 64 years old
- Registered as female with a GP
You do not need screening if you have had surgery to remove your cervix. If you have had surgery to the cervix, vagina or womb but you are not sure what your operation involved, your GP can find out from your medical records.
If you are not sure about having cervical screening for any reason, talk to your GP, practice nurse or sexual health service.
Smear test how often
When you’ll be invited for cervical screening:
- Under 25 – Up to 6 months before you turn 25
- 25 to 49 – Every 3 years
- 50 to 64 – Every 5 years
- 65 or older – Only if a recent test was abnormal
HPV Symptoms
Very early-stages of HPV may not cause symptoms. However, if it is left untreated and develops into cervical cancer, you may experience the following:
Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Heavier periods than you normally have
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
- Unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Urine infections that keep coming back
- Pain in the lower tummy or back
If you get have any of these symptoms between your regular cervical screening appointments, do not wait for your next appointment.
Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Treatment for cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is often treatable.
The treatment you have will depend on:
- The size and type of cervical cancer you have
- Where the cancer is
- If it has spread
- Your general health
It will usually include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It may also include treatment with targeted medicines to treat the cancer.
Cervical cancer and negligence
Immediate diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer is paramount to the success of the treatment. Early intervention can result in complete resolution of symptoms. however, delays from healthcare providers can be devastating.
The longer you have been deprived of treatment, the more likely the cancer could spread, and more invasive procedures/treatment will be required.
If you consider that there was a delay in diagnosis or implementing treatment by your healthcare provider, you may be eligible to bring about a claim for compensation. Our specialist team are on hand to discuss your treatment with you and advise further as to what your choices are. Our team will be able to give you free advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.
You have three years to bring about a claim of this nature. This time period runs from either the date the negligence occurred, or the date you ought to have been aware that negligence may have occurred. Do not delay! Get in touch as soon as possible.
Further reading
Ovarian cancer – Oakwood Solicitors
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Jade Glover is a Solicitor in the Medical Negligence team. She has worked for the company for over 9 years and completed her training during that time. She has specialised in Personal Injury clai…
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