CervicalCheck provides free HPV cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 65 who do not have symptoms of cervical cancer.
The symptoms of cervical cancer can include:
- vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
- unusual or persistent vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- persistent pelvic or lower back pain.
These symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions. They should always be checked. For most women they do not mean you have cervical cancer.
We advise women with these symptoms to go to their GP and not to ask for screening or wait until they are due their next cervical screening.
This is because:
- HPV cervical screening tests are not an appropriate way to investigate the cause of symptoms
- the primary aim of screening is to find abnormal changes in the cervix in women without symptoms, and treat these abnormalities to prevent cervical cancer developing
- screening will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer.
We tell women about the symptoms of cervical cancer and what to do:
- in our results letter
- on our website: hse.ie/cervicalcheck
- in our campaigns
- in our information leaflets.
What your GP will do
Your GP will ask you about:
- your symptoms
- any contraception you are using
- any HRT you are taking
- your last screening test
- your medical history
Your GP will carry out a pelvic examination and an assessment of your cervix, vulva and vagina, to help find out what is causing your symptoms.
An HPV cervical screening test is not used to check what might be causing your symptoms.
Guidance for GPs
We've worked with the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) to develop guidance for GPs on how to manage women with symptoms.
These are the steps that we encourage GPs and practice nurses to follow:
- If your cervix appears normal and you are due your cervical screening, your GP should take a sample as part of your CervicalCheck screening. Your GP should consider carrying out further tests if these symptoms are persistent and unexplained.
- If your cervix appears normal, and you are not due your cervical screening, your GP should not take a screening sample. Your GP should consider carrying out further tests if these symptoms are persistent and unexplained.
- If your cervix appears suspicious for cancer, a screening sample should not be taken. Your GP should arrange an urgent referral to your nearest colposcopy unit. You should receive an appointment within 2 weeks of this referral.
- If your cervix looks unusual and your GP does not suspect cancer, you may be referred to a gynaecologist for a second opinion.
We provide regular education sessions for GPs and sample takers about the importance of not ignoring symptoms, including when a woman has a normal screening test result.
Why acting early matters
Cervical screening is a test for HPV. It is not a test for cervical cancer or for symptoms.
Screening will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer, and a small number of women who have regular cervical screening will still develop cervical cancer, even after a normal screening result or after a normal colposcopy.
So, even if you’ve had a normal screening result, you should still go to your GP if you experience any symptoms of cervical cancer.
Finding out what’s causing your symptoms as early as possible, including cervical cancer, gives you the best chance of better health outcomes. When cervical cancer is found early, it can be easier to treat.
- Find out more about CervicalCheck and cervical screening at: hse.ie/cervicalcheck