Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, common symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, like after sex, between periods, or after menopause; changes in vaginal discharge; and pelvic pain. Advanced cervical cancer may also cause symptoms like back pain, leg swelling, or problems with urination or bowel movements.

The HPV vaccine provides protection against human papillomavirus, which is linked to an increased risk of getting some cancers including cervical cancer. Children aged 12 to 13 are eligible to receive the vaccine in school or at community clinics, while high risk groups including men aged 45 and under who have sex with men are eligible via Wolverhampton’s Sexual Health Service Embrace.

If someone missed the HPV vaccine when it was offered at school, they can still receive it for free on the NHS. The vaccine is available to women aged 24 and under, up to their 25th birthday, and to men born after 1 September, 2006, also up to their 25th birthday.

Cervical screening looks for abnormal cell changes which can be treated before they become cancerous. It is estimated that cervical screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths in England, and that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented.

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening through their GP every 5 years. Trans men and non binary people with a cervix may not automatically receive a screening invitation and therefore should contact GP surgeries and Embrace directly.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers – and getting vaccinated and screened can help stop it before it starts.

“You will be supported by well qualified staff during your screening appointment and if you do feel nervous about having the test, they can help to reassure you. The test itself will take about 5 minutes, so please accept your invitation when you get it.

"We're also urging parents of children eligible for the HPV vaccine to consent for their child to get vaccinated, as it is crucial in our drive to eliminate the disease."

For more information about the HPV vaccination, please visit NHS | HPV vaccine. For more information about cervical screening, please visit NHS | Cervical screening.

People who are registered with a Wolverhampton GP practice and have been invited for cervical screening, but may have difficulty in travelling to their appointment can now request free transport. Visit Health screening transport project for more information.