Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the womb. It is most common in women under 35 in the UK. It is almost always caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and screening and HPV vaccination can help prevent it.

These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, persistent, unexplained or unusual changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Attending cervical screening helps find changes before cancer develops.

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as between periods, during or after sex, or after the menopause
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge that may smell or change in colour
• Pain in the lower back or pelvis

If you notice unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, contact your GP. These symptoms have many causes, but a GP can examine you. Keep attending your cervical screening invitations when they arrive.

Check your risk

Answer a few quick questions for a general awareness indicator. This is not a clinical assessment.

This is a general awareness tool, not a clinical risk score. It does not diagnose cancer.

These factors can increase the chance of developing cervical cancer. HPV is very common and most people clear it without it causing harm. Smoking and not attending screening are important, modifiable risks.

• Having HPV, a very common virus
• Not going for your smear test
• Smoking, which can make cell changes worse
• A weak immune system from certain medicines or health conditions
• Having had several sexual partners, which raises the chance of getting HPV

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for a smear test every 3 to 5 years. The test looks for a virus called HPV and for cell changes that could become cancer. A vaccine called the HPV jab is offered to young people. It greatly lowers the risk of cervical cancer. If you are invited, going is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and may examine you. If they think further checks are needed, they will refer you to a specialist, usually within 2 weeks. You may have a colposcopy (a close examination of the cervix) and, if needed, a small sample (biopsy) taken.

• NHS Screening Programmes →
• General warning signs to watch for →

People also ask about Cervical Cancer

• What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
• What are the early signs of cervical cancer?
• Who is at greater risk of cervical cancer?
• Can cervical cancer develop without symptoms?
• When should I speak to my GP?

Sources and further reading

• NHS — Cervical cancer

  Last source check: 2026-08-10

• Cancer Research UK — Cervical cancer

  Last source check: 2026-08-10

• NICE — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12)

  Last source check: 2026-08-10