Research CCC

What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cells lining the cervix which is the passage between the uterus and the vagina. It can occur at any age and is the second most common cancer in women under 35 in the UK. 2,900 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

99.7% of cases are caused by the human papillomavirus infection which causes changes to the cervical cells. HPV is an extremely common virus; around four out of five people are exposed to it. Anyone who is sexually active can be infected by HPV at some time and the body's immune system will usually clear it up. Generally most people don't even know they have contracted the virus.

Preventing Cervical Cancer
Cervical Screening (Smear Tests) is the most effective method of preventing cervical cancer and allows detection of any early changes of the cervix. This is offered to women between the ages of 25 and 64. 20% of women still do not attend their cervical cancer screening, so raising public awareness of cervical cancer protection is crucial.

For teenage girls the HPV vaccination is offered and this helps prevent 70% of cases. However, there is much conflict suggesting the vaccination should be offered to all ages and the smear test should be introduced to women younger than 25.

Since the death of Jade Goody in 2009 the awareness of Cervical Cancer had risen and more and more women are having screenings. However, we feel since the attention on the cancer has decreased therefore needs to be highlighted to young women about how important it is to be protected against. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4677821/Jade-Goody-case-sparks-cervical-cancer-test-row.html

Other Charities
http://www.jostrust.org.uk/

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to helping sufferers of cervical cancer and their families. Their aim is to offer information, support and friendship and to help women understand the importance of cervical cancer screening and provide extra support for those who find themselves diagnosed with cancer.

Other Sites
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/HPV-vaccination/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.fightcervicalcancer.org.uk/index.aspx

http://thismorning.itv.com/thismorning/health/ten-minute-health-clinic-smear-test

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/cervix/

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/cervix/mortality/