January may signal the beginning of a new year, but it also marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22 to 28 January). In the UK, approximately 3,200 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed each year, meaning that around nine people will be told that they have cervical cancer every day.
However, over recent decades, a lot of work has been done to bring those numbers down. “We have seen rates of cervical cancer reduce by 25% since the 1990s,” says Megan Winter, health information manager at Cancer Research UK. “That’s largely thanks to developments in research in two areas – the HPV vaccine and the cervical screening programme.” In fact, NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and this week Jo’s Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, is calling on the government to support NHS England in its pledge.
It’s also using this week to focus on women at any stage of menopause, and the difficulties many menopausal women face during cervical screening. “Cervical cancer is unique because there is a long latent period during which cell changes are occurring on the cervix but the person has no symptoms.These precancerous changes can be detected on a smear test, and any abnormalities treated,” explains Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Doctor and Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk).
As a result, with the NHS Cervical Screening Programme saving around 5,000 lives a year, it’s still important to go to a smear test even if you’re going through the menopause or are postmenopausal. “Women should continue to attend smear tests (Pap smears or HPV tests) even if they are menopausal or postmenopausal.
Read more on ok.co.uk
Get the latest stars news and celebrity rumours with exclusive stories, photos, videos and interviews.
Breaking up, scandals, engagements, divorces, gossip – all you need to know about the private lives of your favorite celebs.
Get to know the latest showbiz news along with exclusive interviews and even more. All this is waiting for you on the main page 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Who, where, when, with whom, how, why and for what!? Stay tuned to know first!
Just follow us daily and we will provide you with the current news from the life of famous stars and celebrities.
Owner: SNOWLAND s.r.o.
Registration certificate 06691200
Address:
Snowland s.r.o.
16200, Na okraji 381/41, Veleslavín, 162 00 Praha 6
Czech Republic
©2024. All rights reserved.