Posted: 27th November, 2025
Issue 36: Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb. Cervical cancer leads to approximately 685 deaths a year in England and most cervical cancer cases (99.8%) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus. By increasing equitable uptake of both HPV vaccination, which protects against most forms of the virus, and cervical screening, which checks for high-risk HPV, we can make cervical cancer a disease of the past.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)Eliminating cervical cancer in England is not only an important public health goal but also a crucial step toward improving women’s overall health and wellbeing.
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they turn into cancer.
It’s a quick test offered on the NHS to women and people with a cervix, helping protect against cervical cancer before symptoms appear.
Cervical screening, which used to be called a smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
Causes of cervical cancer
Main causes of cervical cancer
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
You can get HPV from:
- any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
- vaginal, anal or oral sex
- sharing sex toys
Who is more likely to get cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age. Anyone with a cervix can get it.
You cannot get cervical cancer if you’ve had surgery to remove your womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).
You might also be more likely to get cervical cancer if:
- you have a weakened immune system, like if you have HIV or AIDS
- you have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)
- your mother took the hormonal medicine Diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you – your GP can discuss these risks with you
- you’ve had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the past
- you smoke
- you’ve taken the contraceptive pill for more than 5 years – this only slightly increases your risk and for many people the benefits of taking it outweigh the risks