1/19/2024 4:26:24 PM
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
We at Blue Stream Academy want to show our support for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week by spreading awareness on our platform. The initiative aims to educate and empower individuals about cervical cancer risks and prevention. The campaign advocates collective efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and promotes proactive measures, including attending screenings and getting the HPV vaccine, to detect and address abnormalities in cervix cells and highlights the importance of recognising symptoms, implementing preventative measures and seeking prompt medical attention.
What is the Purpose of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week?
The purpose of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, organised by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, is to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of prevention and early detection. The campaign aims to:
Educate and Empower: Provide information to individuals, particularly women, about the risks associated with cervical cancer and empower them to take charge of their health.
Promote Proactive Measures: Encourage proactive measures such as attending cervical screenings (smear tests), which can detect abnormalities in cervical cells before they develop into cancer.
Highlight HPV Vaccination: Advocate for the HPV vaccine, especially among young individuals aged 11-18, to protect against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer.
Address Stigma and Taboos: Challenge stigmas and taboos related to cervical health, encouraging open conversations, and reducing embarrassment around discussing symptoms and screenings.
Offer Support and Information: Provide information and support resources for individuals who may be concerned about cervical cancer, including a free helpline by Macmillan Cancer Support for emotional support and information.
By focusing on these objectives, Cervical Cancer Prevention Week aims to contribute to the overall reduction of cervical cancer cases through increased awareness, education, and early intervention.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Over time, this infection can lead to changes in the cervical cells, potentially developing into cancer.
Key Statistics
- Cases: 3197 New cases of Cervical Cancer each year, 2016-2019 average UK
- Deaths: 853 Deaths from cervical cancer, 2017-2019 UK
- Survival: 51% Survive cervical cancer for 10 or more years, 2013-2017, England
- Preventable Cases: 99.8 Cervical cancer cases are preventable, UK, 2015
Main Causes
The majority of cervical cancers arise due to an infection with specific high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV transmission can occur through:
- any skin-to-skin contact involving the genital area
- engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activities
- sharing of sex toys.
Main Symptoms
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, including bleeding during or after sexual activity, between menstrual cycles, post-menopause, or experiencing heavier-than-normal periods.
- Alterations in vaginal discharge.
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Pain localised in your lower back, pelvic region (between hip bones), or lower abdominal area.
If you have pre-existing conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, you may regularly experience symptoms resembling these. Although you may adjust to these symptoms, it is crucial to consult with a GP if there are changes, worsening, or if they deviate from your normal experiences.
It's important not to feel embarrassed, as healthcare professionals are accustomed to discussing these symptoms and providing the necessary assistance.
Who is Susceptible?
Cervical cancer predominantly impacts women aged under 45, and it can affect anyone with a cervix. However, if you've undergone a total hysterectomy, which involves the removal of your womb and cervix, you are not at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of cervical cancer include:
- being under 45, as the risk is higher in younger individuals
- having a weakened immune system, such as in the case of HIV or AIDS
- giving birth to multiple children or having children at an early age (under 17 years old)
- maternal use of the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy –your GP can provide detailed insights into these risks
- a history of vaginal, vulval, kidney, or bladder cancer.
How to Lower Your Chances of Getting Cervical Cancer
While complete prevention of cervical cancer may not be guaranteed, there are proactive measures to diminish the risk of it developing.
Medical Methods
- Regular cervical screening is extended to all women and individuals with a cervix aged 25 to 64. It serves to detect and address any abnormalities in cervix cells before they progress into cancer.
- The HPV vaccine is offered to children aged 12 to 13, safeguarding against all cancers caused by HPV and preventing genital warts.
Lifestyle methods
- Consistent condom use, which decreases the risk of contracting HPV, though it may not provide complete coverage for all genital skin.
- Quitting smoking, as smoking can compromise the immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes may contribute to cervical cancer.
- Adopting a balanced diet to support overall immune system health.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect you have symptoms of cervical cancer, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention by reaching out to your local General Practitioner. Should you need someone to talk to, keep in mind that Macmillan Cancer Support offers a free helpline, available every day from 8 am to 8 pm. Feel free to call them at 0808 808 00 00; they are ready to provide a supportive ear for any discussions or concerns you may have.
Finals Remarks
In summary, the article echoes Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust's mission to educate and empower individuals and highlight the importance of screenings and HPV vaccinations. Additionally, covering, causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and the crucial timing for seeking medical attention. This is to play our part in encouraging a proactive approach to cervical health for overall well-being, contributing to the long-term eradication of cervical cancer in the UK.
What Blue Stream Academy Offers?
At Blue Stream Academy, we are dedicated to the continuous professional development (CPD) of health and social care professionals. As a leader in the eLearning industry for both mandatory and non-mandatory training, our commitment resonates in our ever-expanding packages of comprehensive modules, currently offering an extensive selection of 125+ tailored modules catering to diverse sectors. Meticulously crafted by expert scriptwriters, our modules not only captivate but also engage learners, undergoing thorough verification and evaluation by subject experts. Furthermore, our modules receive approval from the CPD accreditation service, ensuring a standardised and top-tier eLearning experience across the healthcare sector.
Our CPD modules cater to various sectors:
- General Practice
- Health and Social Care
- Urgent and Private Care
- Aesthetics
- Dental
- Hospice
If you are interested in incorporating Blue Stream Academy into your establishment, we offer a complimentary demo and consultation to run through the platform and a brief overview of our healthcare eLearning modules. This session aims to guide you through the benefits of our system and explain how the platform can add value to your operations.
To book a consultation or demo please feel free to contact us via email at info@bluestreamacademy.com or speak with a team member at 01773 822549.
Sample eLearning Module: An Understanding of NHS Cancer Screen Programmes
NHS cervical, breast, and bowel cancer screening is instrumental in saving lives by detecting cancers early when treatment is most effective. While screening is a personal choice, this module empowers healthcare and social care professionals to understand the key importance play a crucial role by providing information, guidance, and encouragement for individuals to participate.
Who Should Take This Module?
This module is recommended for a range of health and social care professionals, as it offers specific information that is relevant for those who are often the first point of contact for patients. Having knowledge of the latest screening protocols helps these professionals identify eligible patients and communicate the screening process effectively.
How To Access The eLearning Module?
To access the module simply add the An Understand of NHS Cancer Screening Programmes to your Blue Stream Academy user profile through 'Management > Staff > Manage Profiles' on the Blue Stream Academy Management Dashboard.
We're here to help!
If you are interested in incorporating Blue Stream Academy into your establishment, we offer a complimentary demo and consultation to run through the platform and a brief overview of our healthcare eLearning modules. This session aims to guide you through the benefits of our system and explain how the platform can add value to your operations.