by There has been widespread disruption to routine healthcare services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This disruption means that many women may now be overdue a cervical screening appointment.
This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week which is run by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. This week aims to reduce confusion about human papillomavirus (HPV), de-mystify cervical screening results and highlight the importance of attending cervical screening appointments.
As medical negligence lawyers, we commonly see cases involving a delay or missed diagnosis of cervical cancer. We are blogging to raise awareness of the importance of attending routine cervical screening appointments.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is a common virus that is usually transmitted through sexual contact. It is estimated that 8 in 10 men and women will get HPV in their lives.
It infects the skin and any moist membrane such as the cervix, the lining of the mouth and throat or the vagina, vulva and anus. In most cases, your immune system will fight the virus without it causing any problems or demonstrating any symptoms.
HPV is usually split into low-risk and high-risk. High-risk HPV is linked to some cancers but being diagnosed with this does not necessarily mean you will develop cancer.
A smear test or cervical screening appointment tests for high-risk HPV. A lab will test a sample of the cells taken during your smear test to check for HPV. The HPV virus can cause changes in your cervical cells which could develop into cervical cancer over time.
Cervical Screening Results
Cervical screening results are usually sent via post within 4 weeks after your test.
If you are diagnosed with high-risk HPV, your sample will be looked at for cell changes. If there are no changes to your cells, you will be invited back for a cervical screening appointment in 1 year to make sure the HPV has cleared.
If you are found to have high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes, you will be invited to colposcopy for further testing. Colposcopy is an examination to take a closer look at your cervix and is used to diagnose and treat cell changes. Many cell changes resolve without treatment but some may develop into cervical cancer. Colposcopy helps identify whether cell changes need treatment to stop this from happening.
Cervical Screening Appointments
Recent Cancer Research statistics show that there is a 70-73% uptake rate for cervical screening appointments in Great Britain. This means that approximately 30% of women who receive an invitation for a screening appointment do not attend.
Cancer Research estimates that at least 2,000 cervical cancer deaths are prevented in the UK each year through screening. These statistics reveal the importance of attending regular cervical screening appointments. Not everyone who is diagnosed with cervical cancer will display symptoms, which is why it is important to ensure that you undergo routine cervical screening appointments.
