Cervical cancer survivor from Stevenage says learning about it can save lives
A survivor of cervical cancer is speaking up about her experience and the hopes to eradicate the cancer by 2040
Last updated 16th Nov 2023
The head of the NHS announced, yesterday, that cervical cancer could be eradicated by 2040.
The prime objective for the NHS is to increase vaccination and screening programmes to help wipe out the illness altogether.
As it stands, only a third of people are reported to take up the offer to either get vaccinated or attend screening appointments.
Communications Manager at the Eve Appeal, which funds research and raises awareness into the five gynaecological cancers (womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal), Lydia Brain, said: "I think it's a great goal, and it creates focus."
"I would love to see plans and funding into how it's going to be achieved a bit more."
The charity works to help remove barriers to accessing the prevention programmes, alongside educating people around gynaecological cancers.
Barriers can be various, from religion to embarrassment, or trauma experienced.
Karen Hobbs is a survivor of cervical cancer.
She was diagnosed at the age of 24, after experiencing unusual bleeding.
Ms Hobbs said: "I didn't feel unwell at all, I didn't really think anything of it until I had the bleeding and at that point I thought 'this isn't normal for me'."
"I didn't know anything about that part of my body until I was diagnosed with a disease there and that's why I feel so passionate about speaking about it because I hate the thought of people having to wait until they are diagnosed before they learn about HPV."
What is cervical cancer?
The NHS defines cervical cancer as the cancer found anywhere in the cervix and is usually caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
What are the main symptoms?
The NHS describes the prime symptoms as vaginal bleeding that is unusual for that person, which can also happen after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods.
Other symptoms can be changes to vaginal discharge, pain or discomfort during sex, and unexplained pain in the lower back or between the hip bones.
What the Eve Appeal charity hopes can be changed with the new target
According to Lydia Brain, 20% of children are not getting vaccinated, as well as one third of women not attending their screening invitation.
She said: "The way to eliminate this cancer is to increase uptake so we need to reduce the barriers that are stopping people going to get the vaccine or to get their screening done.
"It's not detecting whether you have cancer, like some other screenings, it helps prevent it and stop it in the first place, so by expanding these two programmes it is hopefully achievable that we might eliminate cervical cancer."
You can find more information about cervical cancer, alongside tips to better access cervical screenings, on the Eve Appeal website.