Bernie Carter
Assistant Director of Nursing, Marie Keating Foundation
World Gynaecologic Oncology (GO) DAY aims to educate people worldwide about gynaecological cancer. Learn more about cervical cancer, one of the five main types of gynaecological cancer.
GO DAY on September 20th aims to educate people worldwide about prevention, screening, symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological cancers. The Marie Keating Foundation is playing its part in supporting this initiative. Cervical cancer is one of the five main types of gynaecological cancer. Others include ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus), also called the neck of the womb. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time.1
What causes cervical cancer?
Most cases (at least nine in 10) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is very common. At least 80% of people will get an HPV infection. HPV can cause cells in the cervix to become abnormal. These abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer over time. It usually takes 15 to 20 years for abnormal cells to become cancer, but rarely, it can develop more quickly.
If you have HPV, the following can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer:
- Smoking doubles the likelihood of developing cervical cancer
- Having a weakened immune system
- Being sexually active in your early teens
- If your birth mother took the hormonal drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you2
Not everyone diagnosed with
cervical cancer will have symptoms.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. That’s why it’s important to attend regular cervical screening. Symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding; pain or discomfort during sex; vaginal discharge; pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis). If you have any symptoms, see your GP. Don’t panic, as symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer.3
Ireland’s plan to eliminate cervical cancer
Ireland is on target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 as part of a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO).4
Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if caught early. Nearly all cervical cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccination, routine HPV cervical screening and effective treatment of high-grade abnormal cervical disease. 5
Visit mariekeating.ie for more information and support.
- Cancer Research UK. 2023. Cervical cancer.
- HSE. 2023. Cervical cancer causes.
- Cancer Research UK. 2023. Symptoms of cervical cancer.
- HSE. 2024. HSE launches cervical cancer elimination action plan as latest figures show Ireland is on track to reach historic goal by 2040.
- National Cancer Institute. 2024. Cervical cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention.
