Wed, 23/09/2020 - 00:01
- Over half of those aged 18-24 who have had unusual vaginal bleeding did not tell their GP
- Almost half of 18-24 year olds believe vaginal bleeding to be normal or expected
- 1 in 4 of all respondents say they would not contact the GP for a phone or video appointment
- Charity calls for consistency among healthcare professionals when seeing patients with unusual bleeding
With cervical cancer symptom awareness low among young women, new research from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has found a further barrier to seeking help is the prospect of a virtual GP appointment. In light of cancer referral figures falling by 60% at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month the charity wants more people to be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer, and to encourage more to report them to their GP.
Only 2 in 5 of those questioned say they know any of the symptoms, with the lowest level of awareness among the 18-24 age group. Worryingly, almost half of women in this age group believe that vaginal bleeding, the most common symptom of cervical cancer, is normal or expected.
The impact of COVID-19 is widespread across the NHS, and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust found that coronavirus has made it less likely that women would report their worries to a GP, with over 2 in 5 now less likely to go to their GP if they were experiencing unusual symptoms. Worries around the NHS being too stretched, or of catching the virus at the GP, are prevalent.
Many respondents say they consider ‘virtual’ appointments (over the phone or video call), which have become common during the pandemic, to be quick and convenient. However they also present a barrier to some seeking help with 14% of respondents saying that they would not contact their GP using this medium; this rises significantly in the 18-24 age group, to up to 1 in 5. Levels of anxiety around using the phone in this young age group are high, with 1 in 4 saying anxiety is what would prevent them from accessing virtual GP care.
Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Ambassador:
“It may feel strange, or even scary, communicating with your GP ‘virtually’. Lots of initial appointments are taking place over the phone at the moment, but if you need a face-to-face appointment, do discuss it with your GP, as they are still taking place. If you are invited in to your GP surgery for an examination, your GP has measures in place to keep you safe from coronavirus. Don’t let the pandemic, or anything else, put you off reporting cancer symptoms to your GP.
If you are under the screening age (25) cervical cancer is thankfully rare, but it is possible so if you have any symptoms please see your GP, so that they can examine you. And remember the earlier you are diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat!”
Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust:
“Cervical screening can be difficult and coronavirus has made it harder for many people, so knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer really is vital right now. With cancer referrals down, we must increase awareness that no matter how old you are, or whether you’re up to date with your smear tests or have never had one, cervical cancer symptoms are always something to take seriously.”
Over 1 in 4 have experienced vaginal bleeding in their lives, yet 25% did not go to their doctor about it. Of great concern, this rises to 1 in 2 among the 18-24 age group, with 1 in 4 saying that they had ignored bleeding in between periods more than once.
Darren Cliff lost his daughter Amber to cervical cancer in 2017 when she was 25:
“Amber went to the doctor countless times over the years from the age of 18 with symptoms of cervical cancer, including heavy bleeding and abdominal pain. She was told it was all sorts of things - her contraception, a water infection, a change in her hormones… but she was never examined. By the time she was diagnosed with the illness at 21, it was already too late - her cancer was very advanced and it could not be treated.
We are still heartbroken to have lost Amber. The glaringly obvious symptoms were there. It has made me determined to try to prevent other families and other young women from going through what she did, by raising cervical cancer awareness. Don’t take no for an answer if you feel that you aren’t being taken seriously, or you want a second opinion.”
The charity’s research found a lack of understanding of the role of cervical screening (smear tests). One third of respondents stated that they believed you should book a smear test if you have symptoms – which would in fact slow down a potential diagnosis while waiting for appointments and results. Of particular concern is that over 1 in 4 who reported bleeding were given a cervical screening test, indicating a potential knowledge gap among some healthcare professionals.
Of equal importance is the clear need for healthcare professionals to better understand symptoms and referral routes, as those who experience bleeding reported differing experiences (referring for other tests, STI tests, changing contraception or cervical screening). This was unequal across age groups, with 30% of 18-24 year olds being given an examination, compared to 57% of those aged 55+.
Jo’s is calling for more awareness amongst healthcare professionals of the correct pathway (a visual examination) if a patient has cervical cancer symptoms, as cervical screening may not be the most appropriate course of action to ensure the earliest detection. The charity has launched brand new resources, including posters and a film, to help others spread the word.
Frances Simmons, Surrey, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013, when she was 31:
“I had been having some bleeding after sex. I brushed it off initially as my smear test a year earlier had been fine, however the bleeding just got worse, so I booked a doctors’ appointment. Thankfully, the nurse examined me and saw something on my cervix, so she put me on the urgent 2-week referral pathway, which led to my diagnosis.
My treatment was a hysterectomy as the cancer had not spread further than my cervix, rather than going through weeks of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or worse. While the diagnosis was devastating, I’m really grateful that my cervical cancer was picked up early enough to be treatable. I’m still here to look after my 2 daughters, which I had after IVF and finding a surrogate, because I got my symptoms checked out early.”
Ends
Notes
- Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. Survey of 2,007 women aged 18 and over. Collected between 19.08.2020 – 26.08.2020.
- Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout September and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are raising awareness of spotting the symptoms of cervical cancer and encouraging those experiencing them to tell their GP. The symptoms of cervical cancer are:
- vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods
- changes to vaginal discharge
- pain or discomfort during sex
- unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis).
- Cervical screening (smear tests) is generally not recommended for the under 25s, read more information on this topic >
- We have launched new resources to help you raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Download them from our shop >
- Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. We provide information and support to anyone affected by cervical cancer or cell changes and campaign for excellence in treatment and prevention. Our Helpline is on 0808 802 8000.
Contact details
For further comment, interviews or case studies, contact Amy on 07772 290064 or media@jostrust.org.uk