6 Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer Because Emmerdale’s Sarah Processing Diagnosis

Cervical cancer often strikes quietly without any warning signs – ITV soap Emmerdale brings a powerful new storyline, a reality that highlights the importance of early discovery.

During his journey to becoming a mother, Sarah Sugden (played by Katie Hill) performed a routine test at a local fertility clinic that found an inflamed cervix. The young mechanic, suffering from Farconi anemia, a rare genetic disease that can increase the risk of certain cancers, has struggled with leukemia and throat cancer and is concerned about the worst.

Sarah, 19, was so scared to tell her family what happened, and took a biopsy on her own. Her concerns were confirmed in an episode Tuesday night as she was diagnosed with early cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a cancer found anywhere in the cervix, which is part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus to the vagina. It occurs abnormal cells in the inner lining grow in an uncontrolled manner and are most common in women aged 30-35. Although this disease is rarely seen in people under the age of 25 like Sarah, it can occur at any age.

The new storyline is designed to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular inspections.

How common is cervical cancer?

Research from the UK Cancer Research shows that about 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year – about 1 out of 142 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Despite these numbers, awareness remains low, and the absorption of cervical screening is worryingly below target. Current Big Brother star Jade Goody died of cervical cancer at the age of 27 in 2009, the number of women participating in cervical screening surged.

But from 2023 to 2024, only 68.8% of eligible individuals aged 25 to 64 participated in their free NHS cervical screening, putting many at risk of advanced diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can be difficult to detect early, as many people do not have any symptoms at the initial stage. This is why regular cervical screening appointments are so important – it can help capture potential cancerous changes before symptoms appear or disease emerge.

If you do have symptoms of cervical cancer, you may include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding – for example, bleeding after sexual intercourse or after menopause

• Pain or discomfort during sex – Although various diseases can also cause this symptoms, please visit your doctor as soon as possible

• Continuous vaginal discharge – possibly watery, with a strong smell or full of blood

• Pelvic pain – discomfort between the lower abdomen or hip bones

While this symptoms may occur frequently in those with conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis, it is still important to have a test. “You may find yourself getting used to them. However, if your symptoms change, worsen, or are not normal to you, it is important to have GP checks.”

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

According to the NHS, almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common virus that most sexually active people contract at some point in their lives.

HPV can be transmitted through skin contact involving reproductive areas; vagina, anus, or oral sex, and through sharing sex toys. While most HPV infections are clear by themselves, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to abnormal cellular changes in the cervix, which may develop into cancer over time.

Regular screening and HPV vaccination (provided to all children in schools and provided free of charge for children with NHS in women under 25 years of age) are key to prevention.

Other risk factors include:

• Have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS

• There are other sexually transmitted infections (STI) along with HPV

• Contraceptive pills are associated with slightly higher risks

• If your mother, sister or daughter has cervical cancer, the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (a type of cervical cancer) is higher

Who can do cervical screening?

Cervical Screening – Tests that check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer – are usually provided routinely to people aged 25 to 64 in the NHS. This includes women, trans men and nonbinary men who still have a cervix at birth.

You must register on the GP to receive automatic filtering invitations. You will receive an invitation every three to five years, depending on your age and where you live.

You may receive your first screening invitation six months before your 25th birthday. If you do this, you can make an appointment immediately, and you don’t have to wait until you are officially 25 years old.

What should I do if I am under 25 years old?

Those under the age of 25 often provide cervical screening on the NHS. This is because the rate of affected people is low and can lead to unnecessary treatment.

Cancer studies in the UK show that although some cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in people under the age of 25, the rate is low, especially in the age group of 15-19, with the peak occurring over the age of 25.

According to the Suffolk GP Federation, there has been no evidence that cervical screening can reduce the number of cervical cancers in this age group.

It noted: “There is no significant difference between those under 25 who are diagnosed with cervical cancer in countries where cervical screening begins at 20 years old.”

The NHS also said that HPV, which is very common in people under the age of 25, may cause abnormal cell changes, which usually return to normal in young people, but may affect screening results. It added: “Screening for people under 25 years of age can lead to overtreatment and may increase the risk of early (premature birth) if pregnant in the future.”

If you are under 25, it is still important to pay attention to your body. If you experience symptoms or worry, you should talk to your GP or nurse as soon as possible. Medical professionals can evaluate your symptoms and recommend further testing if needed.

The NHS has specific guidelines that can help doctors and nurses support young women aged 20 to 24, especially when they experience abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Can cervical cancer be cured?

The stages of cervical cancer describe the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. It plays a crucial role in determining your treatment choices and prognosis. Generally, the earlier the diagnosis phase, the better the chance of successful treatment.

UK Cancer Research UK shares survival statistics for each stage of cervical cancer in England, covering diagnosis between 2013 and 2017.

After being diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer, approximately 95% of people survived for five years or more. In stage 1, the cancer is usually small and has not spread outside the cervix.

In Phase 2, nearly 70% survive for five years or more. At this stage, cancer may have begun to spread outside the cervix, but has not reached the pelvic wall or the lower vagina.

After being diagnosed with Stage 3, more than 40% survived for five years or more. At this stage, cervical cancer has often expanded deeper to the pelvic area or lymph nodes near the abdomen or pelvis.

About 15% of patients diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer survived for five years or more. This is the most advanced stage where cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bladder, rectum or lungs.

These figures highlight the importance of early diagnosis. Regular cervical screening helps detect changes before or when the cancer occurs, significantly increasing the chances of effective treatment.

Resources for people with cervical cancer

Finding out that you have cervical cancer can be horrible, but thankfully there are a variety of resources and charities to help you feel lonely.

Macmillan Cancer Support

McMillan Cancer Support is a charity that provides practical and medical support for cancer patients in the UK. It provides a helpline, publishes brochures on cancer and treatments, and provides an online cervical cancer forum for anyone suffering from the disease, as well as their family and loved ones.

Cancer Research in the UK

Leading cancer charities provide extensive resources and support for anyone affected by cancer. UK Cancer Research provides detailed statistics on cervical cancer, provides easy-to-understand information on symptoms, treatment and prevention, and hosts fundraising events such as charity events to support cancer research.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie provides care and support to patients with advanced disease, including advanced cervical cancer, and to loved ones. The charity provides care, emotional support and practical guidance.

Eve appeals

A British charity dedicated to increasing awareness and funding research in five gynecological cancers: cervix, ovary, uterus, vagina, and vulva. It offers a free confidential information service called Eask Eve, which consists of professional nurses and also focuses on awareness, early diagnosis and support.

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