Cervical cancer: symptoms, screening and how to lower your risk

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the opening between the vagina and the womb. It can affect anyone with a cervix, including women, trans men and non-binary people. Cervical cancer is often preventable, because screening can find changes to cells before they turn into cancer, and these changes can be treated.

What causes cervical cancer?

The NHS says nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is very common. According to the NHS, most people will get some type of HPV in their life. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, and it is usually cleared by the body within 2 years without causing problems. If an infection with a high-risk type lasts a long time, it can cause changes to cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer over time.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

The NHS lists symptoms including vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, such as bleeding during or after sex, between periods or after the menopause, or periods that are heavier than usual. Other symptoms include changes to vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy.

The NHS points out that these symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. But it is important to get them checked by a GP, even if you have had a recent screening test.

What is cervical screening?

The NHS explains that cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a test to help prevent cancer. A nurse or doctor takes a small sample of cells from your cervix, which is checked for high-risk HPV. If HPV is found, the sample is then checked for any changes to the cells.

Who is invited, and how often?

In England, the NHS invites everyone with a cervix for screening every 5 years from the age of 25 to 64, if they are registered with a GP. You will get your first invitation a few months before you turn 25. Cancer Research UK reports that England moved to screening every 5 years in July 2025 for people whose test does not find HPV, following the same change in Scotland and Wales. You may be invited sooner, depending on your results.

If HPV is found but there are no cell changes, the NHS says you will usually be invited back in 1 year to check whether the virus has cleared. If cell changes are found, you will be invited for a colposcopy, a closer look at your cervix, and any changes can usually be treated before they become cancer.

How can you lower your risk of cervical cancer?

Going to your screening appointments is one of the best ways to protect yourself. If you have missed one, the NHS advises contacting your GP surgery or a local sexual health clinic to book.

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It is offered to children aged 12 to 13, and the UK Health Security Agency says you remain eligible for the vaccine up until your 25th birthday if you missed it. It also advises that people who have had the vaccine should still go for cervical screening when invited.

Not smoking helps too. The NHS says smoking increases your risk of cervical cancer and can weaken your immune system. Condoms lower the risk of HPV, but the NHS notes they do not cover all the skin around the genitals, so they do not protect completely.

How can you support others?

Remind friends and family when they are due for screening, and encourage anyone with symptoms to see their GP. Talking openly about screening helps make it feel normal.