Don't fear the smear test, it can save your life
Over 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 890 women lose their lives every year, yet it's been revealed that the amount of women attending their smear tests is at a 20 year low. Dr Hilary Jones explains the importance of smear tests and Corrie's Katie McGlynn shares her own experience of attending her smear test following her character Sinead's cervical cancer storyline.
Use our helplines to find more information and advice on cervical cancer
NHS Choices
NHS cervical screening website for England
Comprehensive webpage with information on symptoms diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
NHS Immunisation Information
HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer immunisation page
MacMillan Cancer Care
Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
Information on cervical cancer, including how it is diagnosed, treatments you might have, possible side effects and how to get further support.
Cancer Research UK
Helpline: Freephone 0808 800 4040
This section of CancerHelp UK tells you about cervical cancer, from early symptoms, tests and treatment for abnormal cervical cells, through to treatment for cervical cancer, living with cervical cancer, and current research. Call the helpline to speak to a specialist nurse.
Jo’s Trust
Helpline: 0808 802 8000
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. We offer a range of information and support both online and face to face 24 hours a day and at every step of the journey. We also raise awareness about how cervical cancer can be prevented and campaign for best care and treatment.
The Eve Appeal
The Eve Appeal is a registered charityworking hard to raise money to fund the world-class research programme at the Department of Women's Cancer based at University College London (UCL).
Major breakthroughs are already being achieved towards improving survival rates of women with gynaecological cancers through the Department's pioneering research into screening, early diagnosis and risk prediction. To build on these successes and save women's lives, raising urgent and on-going funds is critical. Promoting awareness is vital too. The Eve Appeal therefore disseminates information about the research we fund. We publicise - and provide information on - gynaecological cancers. We contribute to the development of policy and campaigns. And we work in partnership with others to improve the healthcare and support of women.
Marie Stopes International – Women’s Services
Cervical screening for women under 25
Although most cases of cervical cancer happen in women between the ages of 30 and 45, some women can develop it earlier. That's why Marie Stopes UK is committed to helping women under 25 access cervical screening treatment which is not available on the NHS. We offer cervical screening from the age of 18, or 2 years after you've had sex for the first time. We also offer HPV screening and can advise you on further treatment if needed. Our caring, specialist staff are on hand 24/7 to offer you expert advice and support – from your initial consultation to treatment aftercare.