Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025

This year Cervical Screening Awareness Week runs from Tuesday 21st - Tuesday 28th January.

What is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week?

It is an important time in raising awareness about cervical screening, its prevention, and early detection. During this week, health organisations, charities and communities get together to remind women aged 25 to 64 the importance of taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk of cancer.

It encourages women to attend cervical screening and provides information about the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination. Cervical screenings are estimated to save 5000 lives a year in the UK.

When should I go for Cervical Screening?

In the UK, Cervical screening starts at the age of 25. An invitation letter gets sent to you near your 25th birthday for a cervical screening test. You then arrange an appointment at your GP Surgery. Every three to five years until the age of 50 you will receive an invite. Then the letters will be sent every five years until the age of 64. If you are 65 or over and have not had a screening test since you were 50, you will also receive an invitation.

You will be checked more regularly if you have highrisk HPV or any abnormal cervical cell changes.

How does Cervical Screening work?

During cervical screening, a doctor or nurse will collect a sample of cells from the cervix. They do this by using a lubricated speculum and inserting this into the vagina to see the cervix. Then with a soft plastic brush they sweep the cervix. The sample is then sent off to a laboratory for testing.

History of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week has a longstanding history and plays a crucial role in raising awareness about cervical health. It was established to honour the memory of Jade Goody, a renowned British reality television star who passed away from Cervical cancer at a young age. Her story highlighted the importance or early detection and prevention and is a reminder of Jade Goody’s legacy. 

How to get involved in Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025

There are many ways to participate and support Cervical Cancer Prevention Week:

• Attend a Screening: Schedule a cervical screening appointment with your GP/healthcare provider. To prevent cervical cancer, regular screenings can detect abnormal cell changes early.
• Share Information: Promote information and resources on social media. Spreading the word and topic of cervical cancer prevention will help to encourage friends and the public to learn the significance of screenings and vaccinations.
• Attend Events: Research local events and workshops about cervical cancer prevention week. Gaining further knowledge and participating in activities can really help to spread the message across and meet others in the community that value the cause.
• Support HPV Vaccination: Help to support and vaccinate the eligible individuals against HPV, which is a common cause of cervical cancer.
• Donate or Volunteer: Donate to organisations dedicated to cervical cancer prevention or volunteer your time to support their initiatives. 

Supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week on social media using hashtags

• #CervicalCancerPrevention
• #CervicalScreening
• #CervicalHealth
• #HPVVaccination
• #PreventCervicalCancer

Remember….

Early detection and prevention are our strongest allies in the fight against cervical cancer. Don't wait; take action today!

Published: Jan 16, 2025