Information is power in fight against cancer

In Ireland about 200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. A significant number of cases can be prevented by smear tests, offered by CervicalCheck for free for women aged 25 to 60.

Consultant gynaecologists Deborah Bruce (DB), Nitu Bajekal (NB) clear up some common queries...

I caught HPV - am I destined to get cancer?

DB: “No – the risk of developing cervical cancer, even if high-risk HPV positive, is very small.

“However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Ensure you attend your smears. If any abnormalities are found, your sample will be tested for high-risk HPV. Stopping smoking has also been shown to reduce your risk.

"You may also wish to consider obtaining the HPV vaccination . Although not 100% effective, using a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, can reduce the risk of transmission and re-infection.”

My mum had cervical cancer. I am worried I will develop it too.

DB:“There’s no known genetic link for cervical cancer (unlike breast and ovarian cancer). However, I advise you consider obtaining advice regarding the HPV vaccine, which could reduce your risk of contracting the high-risk cancer-causing HPV.

I’ve been on the pill for 12 years. Will it increase my risk of cancer?

NB:“The pill is not associated with an overall increased risk of cancer. Taking the pill for at least three years reduces the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colon cancer for women, compared with non-users.

There’s some evidence to suggest women on the pill for more than 10 years have a four-times higher risk of cervical cancer, but that said, the absolute increase in risk is very low and your overall risk is extremely small. The benefits of taking the pill generally outweigh the risks for most women.”

I’ve noticed a bit of bloody discharge after sex and between periods.

NB: “Post Coital Bleeding (PCB) is something you should not ignore – seek medical advice from your doctor or sexual health clinic. This will allow for a detailed history and examination. You may also be offered a smear if you’re aged between 25-64, and haven’t had one recently.

“There are several causes of bleeding between periods or after sex, including infection, polyps, atrophic vaginitis, vaginal tears and cervical ectropion. In some situations, bleeding after sex can be a sign of cancer. If you’ve had regular clear smears, it’s highly unlikely this is the cause.”

I often get pelvis pain and shooting pains in my cervix. I’ve read cervical cancer can’t cause pain until the late stages, but should I be concerned?

NB: “It’s quite normal to have occasional low tummy or pelvic pain and even shooting pains in your vagina and cervix. These are not really signs of cervical cancer.

“It is true that cervical cancer does not usually cause pain until a late stage. However, the most important way you can reduce your risk of cervical cancer is by attending for your regular smear checks.

You should also seek advice from a doctor if you are having bleeding after sex or erratic bleeding between your periods.“

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Languages: Sunday January 25 to Saturday 31.