Cervical Health Awareness Month January 2026: Progress, Prevention and the Power of Screening

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.

In the UK alone, more than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. While it can affect people of all ages, cervical cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers, and it could be the very first cancer to be eliminated globally.

Cervical cancer develops slowly, often beginning with abnormal cell changes in the cervix, the lower part of the womb that connects to the vagina. These early changes rarely cause symptoms, which is why cervical screening is so important. Screening detects high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cervical cancers. If HPV is found, cells are checked for abnormalities, allowing treatment long before cancer develops.

Despite the effectiveness of screening, around one in three eligible people in the UK do not attend their cervical screening appointment. There are many reasons for this; anxiety, discomfort, previous trauma and access barriers all play a role. We need to address these concerns through better communication, flexible appointments and inclusive care if we want to see an uptake in screening.

Importantly, cervical screening is for anyone with a cervix, including women, trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth. Those registered as male with their GP may not automatically receive invitations and should always request screening.  

While early-stage cervical cancer often causes no symptoms, warning signs can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent discharge, pain during sex, recurring urinary infections, or lower back and abdominal pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice promptly, rather than waiting for their next screening.

Globally, cervical cancer is a major health inequality. In 2022, an estimated 660,000 women were diagnosed worldwide, with around 350,000 deaths.  The majority of these were in low- and middle-income countries. Yet eradication of the disease is possible.  The World Health Organization’s targets are clear: vaccinate 90% of girls, screen 70% of women, and treat 90% of those diagnosed.  It should be noted that even if you have been vaccinated, you still need to attend for your smear test.

This January, Cervical Health Awareness Month reminds us that prevention works. Through vaccination, screening and equitable access to care, cervical cancer can become a disease of the past.