SOARING numbers of women in their late 20s are being diagnosed with cervical cancer, charities warn.
Rates of the disease rocketed in the danger age band by more than half in little over a decade — with experts blaming a drop in screening uptake.
The HPV vaccine, which protects against the killer, was introduced in 2008. It means women now aged between 25 and 29 were the last group not to benefit from the jab as girls. But they are the least likely to get screened.
There were 12 cases per 100,000 women in their late 20s in 2006, rising to 18.5 cases per 100,000 in 2016.
While the death of TV star Jade Goody in 2009 boosted the numbers of young women seeking screening, that effect has now long worn off.
Fewer than two-thirds are now turning up for the life-saving tests, with embarrassment and difficulty getting GP appointments blamed for the drop.
Overall, cervical cancer rates among women of all ages fell from 18.8 per 100,000 in 1986 to 9.4 cases per 100,000 in 2005.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “These figures… highlight a worrying trend that shows progress is stalling and stagnating, which could undermine this success.
“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through screening, and now the disease is far less common in the UK.
“But these life-saving programmes can’t help people they can’t reach, which is why it’s important for us to continue to raise awareness.”
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What are the early signs to look out for?
The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious – it may not cause any symptoms until it’s reached an advanced stage.
And some women do not experience any signs of cervical cancer at all.
This is why it’s very important that you attend all of your cervical screening appointments.
1. Abnormal bleeding (during or after sex, between periods and also post-menopause)period
The most common and earliest sign of cervical cancer tends to be irregular bleeding.
It happens when the cancer cells grow on the tissue below the cervix.
It’s an especially alarming sign in postmenopausal women who no longer have periods. There’s no age limit to developing cervical cancer.
2. Unusual vaginal discharge
Everyone’s discharge is different, so it’s a case of knowing what is normal for you.
If you find that the colour, smell and consistency has changed, then that’s something you really need to have checked out.
When cancer lacks oxygen, it can cause an infection which leads to strange smelling discharge.
3. Discomfort or pain during sex
Pain during sex can be a sign of a number of different issues, but one is cervical cancer.
Because the disease often comes with no symptoms, pain during intercourse is one of the key indicators. It can be a sign that the cancer is spreading to surrounding tissues.
4. Lower back pain
It could be down to you straining something in the gym, or it could be a warning sign that something’s wrong with your reproductive organs.
Persistent pain – just one off twinges – in the lower back, pelvis or appendix can be a symptom of cervical cancer.
5. Unintended weight loss
While effortless weight loss might sound like the answer to many of our prayers, it’s never a good sign if it happens seemingly without cause.
A loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss tend to be signs that the body isn’t working properly – it’s trying to conserve energy. If you notice that you’re not eating as you normally do, go to your GP.
