Now we are into the first month of 2026, ready for the excitement of a new year ahead, what better time is there to focus on your health. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month runs every year throughout January, with the aim of spreading awareness amongst women about cervical cancer. With more than 3,200 women being diagnosed with this form of cancer each year in the UK alone, getting tested, knowing the facts and what to keep an eye on is key to catching anything early, leading to better chances of treating it.
Charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support were set up to alert people to the different symptoms known regarding different forms of cancer, offering support through their advice line, online advice and guidance and ways you can donate, either money or your time, to show your support.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/cervical-cancer-awareness
The signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can include:
Heavier periods than normal, unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina, pain or discomfort felt during sexual intercourse, pain in your lower tummy or back, recurring UTIs and any vaginal bleeding after sex, after menopause or between periods/
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, fill in a health problem form or contact reception to assist in helping complete the form so we can get you seen as quickly as possible by the doctor.
One way to catch this early is through getting your cervical screening (smear) done:
If you are a patient at Bell House and are registered female, you will receive an invitation letter asking you to book in a cervical screening test with the nurse. This starts when you are 25 and is up until 64. You will have a test every 5 years if everything is normal on your test. If anything gets detected, you will be asked to come back and retest in a years time. If you are a trans male or NB, you should also have a screening. You should tell us if you want to be tested so this can be arranged for you.