Treatment of cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix is largely preventable. For 2008-9 the numbers of number of eligible women undergoing cervical screening increased by just under 400,000 according to a report out today from The NHS Information Centre. The number of eligible women aged 25 to 64 being screened rose by just under 12 per cent last year, from 3.2 million to 3.6 million.

In addition there was an increase in coverage among 25 to 49-year-olds who had undergone screening in the previous three to three and a half years increasing from 69.3 per cent at 31 March 2008 to 72.5 per cent at 31 March 2009.

Robert Music, director of Jo’s Trust, the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity said, “The increase in women deciding to take up their invitation for screening is extremely positive news.  Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease thanks to the cervical screening and HPV vaccination programmes.  It is great that more women have been proactive about looking after their health.”

University College London, Consultant Gynaecologist Adeola Olaitan provides an in-depth explanation for anyone interested in the latest information on screening, vaccination and treatment options for cancer of the cervix.

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
Relating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). Full medical glossary
Any neck-like structure; most commonly refers to the neck of the uterus. Full medical glossary
An abbreviation for human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers. Full medical glossary
per vaginam Full medical glossary
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to Full medical glossary
The means of producing immunity by stimulating the formation of antibodies. Full medical glossary