New information guide on cervical cancer

Information and support charity CancerBACUP has launched an up-to-date guide to cervical cancer.

The booklet, Understanding Cancer of the Cervix, is designed to answer the questions women may have about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and how it is diagnosed and treated.

Supported by NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, it is the first time that the booklet contains information on liquid based cytology (LBC), a new way of preparing cervical samples for examination in the laboratory.  LBC will reduce the number of ‘inadequate’ tests and hence the number of women who need  to be recalled for repeat testing. It is currently being rolled out across England as laboratory staff and sample takers are retrained.

In addition, the booklet covers:

• How cancer of the cervix develops
• How it is diagnosed, staged and graded
• Types of treatment and possible side-effects, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Clinical trials – what’s involved
• The impact on sex life and fertility
• The emotional effects of diagnosis on friends and relatives
• Advice on talking to children
• Information about financial help and benefits
• Further resources provided by CancerBACUP as well as other useful organizations

Debbie Coats, CancerBACUP publications nurse, said: "We have updated  Understanding cancer of the cervix to reflect the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. This was particularly important in light of the NICE recommendation on the use of liquid based cytology.

"We've also included information about less common types of cervical cancer and expanded the section on staging and grading.” She added: “These changes make the booklet even more useful for women with questions about this type of cancer."