CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS WEEK - 22nd - 28th JANUARY

The theme for 2018 is “Reduce your risk”. Recently in Parliament I was delighted to meet up with cervical cancer charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and it’s Chief Executive, Robert Music. Every year in the UK, around 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. Cervical cancer is not thought to be hereditary. In 99.7% of cases, cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus transmitted through skin to skin contact in the genital area. Around four out of five sexually active adults (80%) will be infected with some type of HPV in their lives. However, for the majority of women this will not result in cervical cancer. While HPV infection is common, cervical cancer is rare. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. It’s aim is to work towards a future where cervical cancer is a thing of the past by promoting cervical cancer prevention and reducing the impact for everyone affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer through providing the highest quality information and support, and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment and prevention. Cervical cancer can be prevented. With your help we can ensure every woman knows how they can reduce their risk of the disease and the steps they can take to look after their health. This means: *Attending cervical screening when invited *Knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer and seeking medical advice if experiencing any *Taking up the HPV vaccination if aged 11-18 *Talking to friends and family to ensure they know how they can reduce their risk Every day: 9 women are diagnosed with this disease, two will lose their lives. However 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by cervical screening (smear tests)