LONDON -21 January 2013- Digital health publisher Streaming Well and women's health charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust launch a new video series to educate women about the symptoms of cervical cancer.
Sunday 20th January marks the beginning of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and with it, the campaign by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust to encourage women to be aware of the symptoms of the disease.
A recent survey[1] carried out by the charity has indicated that while 75% of women admit they would visit the doctor for a persistent cold, only 50% would seek medical attention for bleeding outside their periods “ a key symptom of the disease. In a separate survey[2] of women who had been through a diagnosis of cervical cancer, the charity found that 70% of those questioned who experienced symptoms prior to a diagnosis were not aware that their symptoms were related to the disease.
In the UK alone, cervical cancer kills around 1000 women every year and is the most common cancer found in women under 35.[3]
Robert Music, director of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust adds-
œEvery day in the UK nine women are diagnosed and nearly three women die from the disease. Early detection is therefore key to improving survival rates and quality of life. It's imperative that women are made fully aware of all the symptoms of the disease as well as feel confident enough to visit the doctor if they notice anything unusual going on with their body “ whether this is a noticeable change in vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding or pain during intercourse, they should not be embarrassed or suffer in silence.
Based on the findings of this study Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has identified an urgent need to spread awareness of cervical cancer symptoms. In partnership with Streaming Well they are hoping that these videos will inspire women to be quicker off the mark to visit their doctors with any worrying signs. Symptoms are rare for early stage cervical cancer, but an early diagnosis is the key to improving survival rates.
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Notes to editor:
Streaming Well is a digital health publisher reaching millions of patients and healthcare professionals across the UK, Europe and worldwide. They produce and publish evidence-based educational videos in multiple languages that educate patients and inform healthcare professionals.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. For the charity's national helpline call 0808 802 8000
About cervical cancer
1. The recognised symptoms of cervical cancer are:
- abnormal bleeding: bleeding in between periods; bleeding during or after sexual intercourse; post menopausal bleeding
- unusual discharge
- discomfort/pain during sex
- lower back pain.
2. Around three women in the UK die each day from cervical cancer, with nine women being diagnosed every day, facing an uncertain future. Over 300,000 women a year are told they may have a cervical abnormality that could require treatment.
3. It is estimated that the UK Cervical Screening Programmes save 5,000 lives every year and if HPV vaccination take up continues to reach at least 80% it is believed this could result in a 2/3rds reduction in incidence in women under 30 by 2025.
4. Cervical cancer is predominantly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can be caught as soon as you start having intimate relationships.
Contacts:
Genevieve Robson
Streaming Well
Telephone: +44 78 50 44 6520
Email:- genevieve.robson@streamingwell.com
[1] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2726 females of whom 2688 haven't had cervical cancer. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd-6th December 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK women (aged 18+).
[2] Study carried out by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. Total sample size was 170 women who have been through a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Fieldwork undertaken between November 2011 and July 2012.
