Cervical cancer often strikes quietly, with no warning signs – a reality that ITV soap Emmerdale brings to light in a powerful new storyline, highlighting the importance of early detection.

In her journey to become a mother, Sarah Sugden (played by Katie Hill) undergoes routine tests at a local fertility clinic, which uncover an inflamed cervix. The young mechanic, who suffers from fanconi anaemia – a rare inherited condition that can increase the risk of certain cancers – has already battled leukaemia and throat cancer, and fears the worst.

Too scared to tell her family what is happening, 19-year-old Sarah goes for a biopsy on her own. In Tuesday night’s episode, her fears are confirmed, as she is diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a cancer found anywhere in the cervix, part of the female reproductive system that connects the womb to the vagina. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lining grow in an uncontrolled way, and is most common in women aged 30-35. While it’s rare for people under 25, like Sarah, to develop the disease, it can occur at any age.

The new storyline aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular medical check-ups.

How common is cervical cancer?

Research from Cancer Research UK shows that around 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year – approximately 1 in 142 females will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

Despite these numbers, awareness remains low, and uptake of cervical screening is worryingly below target. When former Big Brother star Jade Goody died from cervical cancer in 2009 at the age of 27, there was a surge in the number of women attending cervical screenings.

But from 2023 to 2024, only 68.8% of eligible individuals aged 25 to 64 attended their free NHS cervical screening, leaving many at risk of late diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can be difficult to detect early because many people don’t experience any symptoms in its initial stages. That’s why attending regular cervical screening appointments is so important – it can help catch potentially cancerous changes before symptoms appear or the disease develops.

If you do have symptoms of cervical cancer, these may include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding – such as bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause

• Pain or discomfort during sex – while various conditions can also cause this symptom, visit your doctor as soon as possible

• Persistent vaginal discharge – that may be watery, have a strong odour or be tinged with blood

• Pelvic pain – discomfort in the lower abdomen or between the hip bones

While those with conditions like fibroids or endometriosis may get symptoms like these regularly, it is important to still have check-ups. “You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you,” the NHS states.

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

According to the NHS, almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that most sexually active people will contract at some point in their lives.

HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact involving the genital area; vaginal, anal or oral sex and by sharing sex toys. While most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which may develop into cancer over time.

Regular screening, and HPV vaccination – which is offered to all children in year 8 at school and free on the NHS for women under the age of 25 – are key to prevention.

Other risk factors include:

• Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS

• Having other sexually transmitted infections (STI) alongside HPV

• The contraceptive pill is associated with a slightly higher risk

• The risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cervical cancer, is higher if your mother, sister or daughter has had cervical cancer

Who can have a cervical screening?

Cervical screening – a test to check the health of your cervix and help prevent cervical cancer – is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 on the NHS. This includes women, trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth who still have a cervix.

You must be registered with a GP to receive automatic screening invitations. You’ll receive invitations every three to five years, depending on your age and where you live.

You may receive your first screening invitation up to six months before your 25th birthday. If you do, you can book your appointment right away, you don’t need to wait until you officially turn 25.

What should I do if I’m under 25?

Those under 25 aren’t routinely offered cervical screening on the NHS. This is because of the low rate of those affected and because it can lead to unnecessary treatment.

Cancer Research UK data shows that while some cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in people who are under 25, the rates are very low, especially in the 15-19 age group, and the peak happens from above the age of 25.

According to the Suffolk GP Federation, cervical screenings also haven’t been shown to reduce the number of cervical cancers in this age group.

It states: “In countries where cervical screening starts at 20 years old, the number of people under 25 diagnosed with cervical cancer is not significantly different than in countries that start screening at 25 years old.”

The NHS also says that HPV, which is common in people under 25, may cause abnormal cell changes, which often go back to normal in young people but could affect screening results. It adds: “Screening people under 25 can lead to over-treatment and could lead to an increased risk of early (premature) birth if they were to get pregnant in the future.”

If you are aged under 25, it’s still important to pay attention to your body. If you experience symptoms, or are worried, you should speak to a GP or nurse as soon as possible. Medical professionals can assess your symptoms and recommend further testing if needed.

The NHS has specific guidelines in place to help doctors and nurses support young women and people with a cervix aged 20 to 24, especially when they present with abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Is cervical cancer curable?

The stage of cervical cancer describes the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. It plays a crucial role in determining your treatment options and prognosis. Generally, the earlier the stage at diagnosis, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Cancer Research UK has shared survival statistics for each stage of cervical cancer in England, covering diagnoses between 2013 and 2017.

Approximately 95% survive for five years or more after being diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer. In Stage 1, the cancer is usually small and has not spread beyond the cervix.

At Stage 2, almost 70% survive for five years or more. At this stage, the cancer may have begun to spread outside the cervix but hasn’t reached the pelvic wall or lower vagina.

Over 40% survive for five years or more after being diagnosed with Stage 3. Cervical cancer at this stage has typically spread deeper into the pelvic area or to nearby lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis.

Approximately 15% of those who have been diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer survive for five years or more. This is the most advanced stage, where cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bladder, rectum, or lungs.

These figures highlight the importance of early diagnosis. Regular cervical screening helps detect changes before cancer develops or while it’s still at a very early stage, significantly improving the chances of effective treatment.

Resources for those with cervical cancer

Finding out you have cervical cancer can be scary, but thankfully, there are a variety of resources and charities available to help you feel less alone.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. It offers a helpline, publishes booklets about cancer and treatments and has an online cervical cancer forum for anyone with the disease as well as their family members and loved ones.

Cancer Research UK

A leading cancer charity offering a wide range of resources and support for anyone impacted by cancer. Cancer Research UK provides detailed statistics on cervical cancer, offers easy-to-understand information about symptoms, treatment, and prevention, and hosts fundraising events like charity runs to support cancer research.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie offers care and support for people living with a terminal illness, including advanced cervical cancer, as well as their loved ones. The charity provides nursing care, emotional support, and practical guidance.

The Eve Appeal

A UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, womb, vaginal, and vulval. It offers a free, confidential information service called Ask Eve, staffed by specialist nurses, and also focuses on awareness, early diagnosis, and support.

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