Introduction
Cervical cancer is cancer that is found anywhere in the cervix. Cervical cancer is relatively rare; there are approximately 2,800 diagnoses each year in England[1]. Despite this, there is a high level of awareness of cervical cancer.
There are multiple risk factors for cervical cancer, some of which are unpreventable such as ageing, and family history. Whereas tobacco use is a preventable factor[2]. Tobacco use is considered through the North Tyneside Smokefree Alliance in the borough and region, for which a JSNA is available.
As with other cancers, the earlier cervical cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better the prognosis. If cervical cancer is diagnosed at Stage 1, around 95% will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnoses. This is compared to around 15% when diagnosed at stage 4[3].
The aim of the cervical screening is to reduce cervical cancer morbidity and mortality by preventing and diagnosing cervical cancer early. The cervical screening programme is not a test for cancer, but for the high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus infection, which causes over 99% of cervical cancer cases. The cervical screening programme aims to find and removes abnormal cells which may become cancerous if left1.
The cervical screening programme is available to women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 64 in England, every 3 years for those aged 25 – 49, and every 5 years for those 50 – 64 [4]. Those eligible for the screening programme are sent a letter by the Cervical Screening Administration Service (CSAS) inviting them to book an appointment at their GP practice or sexual health centre. The national cervical cancer screening programme is estimated to prevent 70% of cervical cancer deaths, and if everyone attended when invited, this could rise to 83% of cervical cancer deaths prevented4.
1.Cervical Screening Committee. Available at: Cervical cancer - UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) - GOV.UK [accessed 10/6/2025]
2. Risks and causes of cervical cancer. Available at: Risks And Causes Of Cervical Cancer | Cancer Research UK [accessed 10/6/2025]
3. Cervical cancer survival. Available at: Cervical Cancer Survival | Cervical Cancer Survival Rate [accessed 10/6/2025]
4. Cervical screening. Available at: Cervical screening: helping you decide - GOV.UK [accessed 10/6/2025]