Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, despite this it continues to affect thousands of women across the UK every year. 

With searches for ‘symptoms of cervical cancer’ surging 250% MoM and January being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Corné Hurter, Medical Director for Services and Delivery at
AXA Health insurance explains what cervical cancer is, the symptoms to look out for, and why regular screening plays a vital role in prevention.

What you need to know about cervical cancer

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix and is most commonly caused by long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). 

In many cases, the immune system clears the virus naturally without causing any harm. However, in some cases, HPV can persist and lead to abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Over time, these abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer if they are not detected and treated early.

Dr Hurter at AXA Health, explains: “Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over a number of years, which means there is a valuable window of opportunity to identify and treat abnormal cell changes before cancer develops. Most people do not even have symptoms, which is why cervical screening plays such a crucial role in prevention.”

Doctor reveals FOUR top tips for tackling smear test appointments

Dr Hurter comments: “Cervical screenings can be a nerve-racking procedure for many due to the intimate nature of the appointment. However, there are ways to prepare for the appointment to make you feel more at ease, and the procedure in itself is extremely quick and usually painless.”

  1. Bring in a partner or family member: “Having a partner, family member or loved one present during your cervical screening can help combat anxiety and nerves associated with the procedure.“
  2. Dress accordingly: “For some, undressing during the procedure can be daunting, therefore choosing what you wear can help relieve nerves and anxiety towards the procedure. If you are nervous about being exposed, opt for a skirt or dress instead of trousers on the day of your cervical screening, so you’re not completely undressed from the waist down. Remember that the more comfortable you feel, the more relaxed you will be and the quicker the procedure will be.”
  3. Always ask questions: “If you are unsure about any part of the procedure, always ask your GP or nurse to explain what they will be doing throughout the procedure. Asking questions and being aware of the steps of the procedure can help calm nerves and prepare you for any potential discomfort that may occur.”
  4. Speak up if you feel any pain: “Remember to always voice any pain you experience. If you feel any discomfort during your cervical screening, let your GP or nurse know immediately. Informing them of pain allows them to test more slowly, or if needed, to stop the test.” 

Key advice to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, according to a Doctor

Dr Hurter shares four practical steps women can take to protect their cervical health:

  1.  Attend your cervical screening appointments: “Even if you feel well, regular screening is essential for early detection and prevention.”
  2. Don’t ignore unusual symptoms: “Report any abnormal bleeding, pain, or discharge to your GP promptly.”
  3. Stop or reduce smoking if possible: “Smoking can increase the risk of cervical cancer by weakening the immune system.”
  4. Get the HPV vaccine if eligible: “The HPV vaccine offers strong protection against the most common high-risk types of HPV linked to cervical cancer.”

Almost 5 million women in the UK have avoided a cervical screening appointment

Smear tests can be daunting for many people; however, they are very important in order to detect HPV and abnormal cells in the cervix. This fear results in many women in the UK avoiding their smear test appointments.  

A study by AXA Health insurance has uncovered that 38% of women believe you need to have a cervical screening every four years, and more than 1 in 10 (16%) of UK women admit to avoiding a cervical screening appointment. 

Dr Hurter informs: “Cervical screening appointments need to be booked every five years after turning 25 and continue until the age of 64. Testing every five years allows your healthcare professional to detect and monitor any changes to the cells in your cervix. 

Methodology

*Keyword search tool for percentage trend as of 23/12/25
*AXA Health surveyed 2,000 UK women aged 18+ in December 2024. Women were defined in the sample as individuals who were assigned female and continue to identify as such, which is represented in the above report.