Monday 19th January marks the start of Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, a crucial time to raise awareness about cervical cancer and how important it is to detect it early.
Cervical cancer can happen at any age, but is most commonly found in women between the ages of 30 and 35. It usually develops slowly and can spread to other areas if left untreated.
The main symptoms of cervical cancer to watch out for are:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding during sex, between periods, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to vaginal discharge
- pain in your lower back or in abdomen
Some of these symptoms could be signs of other conditions, but it’s important to see a doctor to rule anything out. If it is cancer, catching it early can make it easier to treat and give you a better chance of recovery. There are many different treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, and the treatment you receive will depend on the size and severity of the cancer, if it has spread, and your health in general.
What support is available?
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness such as cervical cancer, we can help. Our volunteers can visit you at home, offering emotional, practical and social support to make the day seem a little more manageable.
To learn more about what support we can offer, please view our services through the button below.