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What is cervical screening?
Cervical cancer can be prevented by attending your smear test when invited. All women aged 25 to 64 are invited to regular screenings. The test is not for cancer but can most importantly can prevent cancer.
The smear test checks the health of your cervix and during the exam a sample of cells are taken to check for types of human papillomavirus (HPV). If types of HPV are found you will be called for further testing. The sample cells are checked for abnormal changes that may turn into cervical cancer.
It is very common for most people to get some type of HPV during their lives. You can get HPV from skin to skin contact of the genital area, not just penetrative sex.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Being aware of the symptoms is another important factor in preventing Cervical cancer. Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms or the symptoms may not be obvious.
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods
- changes to vaginal discharge
- pain or discomfort during sex
- unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis)
- decreased appetite
- unexplained weight loss
Cancer Care services at Cavendish Homecare
A cancer diagnosis can be very tough on the individual and their family. As one of the leading providers of bespoke Cancer Care in the UK, we pride ourselves on offering superior support in a flexible way – with everything from day-to-day care to highly specialised clinical expertise.
Some of the cancer care services we offer are:
- Flexible Support based on your needs
- A Registered Nurse or Carer to accompany you to or from appointments
- Someone to be on-hand during your treatment
- Support coping with the side-effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Assistance with rehabilitation following surgery for cancer
- Wound Care
- Stoma Care
- Guidance about charities and organisations who offer various forms of help
If you would like more information about our Cancer Care services, please contact one of our experts who will be happy to help.
