Let’s talk about cervical cancer symptoms
Last modified: 6 June 2025, 07:11
During Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, we want everyone know to what the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are, and that they are always something you should tell your GP about.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to fewer people telling their GP about unusual symptoms, like vaginal bleeding. Join our campaign to ensure that everyone – no matter if you’re up to date with your cervical screening, or have never been – knows how and when to talk about cervical cancer symptoms.
Our new research found that:
- Almost half 18-24 year olds, who are too young to have a smear test, believe vaginal bleeding to be normal or expected
- Over half of those aged 18-24 who have had unusual vaginal bleeding did not tell their GP
- 1 in 4 would not contact the GP for a phone or video appointment, citing anxiety preventing them getting help
We need to talk about the symptoms of cervical cancer
While a smear test is the best protection against cervical cancer, it does not stop every case. So make sure you know the symptoms:
We know it can be worrying when you notice unusual symptoms and that it may be especially concerning at the moment. But, whether you’re up to date with your smear test, are waiting for a test, or have never been, if you have any symptoms then call your GP as soon as possible. Your GP has measures in place to keep you safe from coronavirus.
Read more information about what to do if you have symptoms >
Help us raise awareness
Wondering how you can spread the word? Here’s how:
Post on social media
Share our graphics (or film) on social media with this post:
⚠️ Knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer could save your life. But, @JoTrust found 60% of young women don’t know what they are. This #GynaeCancerAwarenessMonth, learn about the symptoms of #CervicalCancer and when to speak to your GP: www.jostrust.org.uk/talk-symptoms
Or share your own story! Have you ever reported unusual bleeding to your GP? We want to hear your experience – it could encourage people to get checked out if they are ignoring some worrying symptoms. Don’t forget to tag us: @JoTrust on Twitter or @JosCervicalCancerTrust on Instagram.
Put up our posters
Our new posters help you to spot the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Could you put them up in your GP surgery, in your students’ union, or in the toilets in your workplace?
Download them for free from our shop >
Use newsletters and intranets
Could you use your workplace’s newsletter or internal communications to spread the word about the symptoms of cervical cancer, and useful links? Here is some suggested text (and you can use the graphics above), to help you raise awareness at work (even if that’s from home!)
September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and we’re supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to ensure more women know the symptoms of cervical cancer, and to report any unusual symptoms to their GP.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust have found that only 2 in 5 women know the symptoms of cervical cancer, which are:
- vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you
- changes to vaginal discharge
- pain or discomfort during sex
- pain in your lower back or pelvis.
If you are experiencing them – no matter how old you are, no matter whether or not you’re up to date with cervical screening (smear tests), don’t let the pandemic put you off reporting them to your GP.
Visit www.www.jostrust.org.uk for more information or support.
Raise money
You could help us to be there for more people in the future who have questions or concerns about cervical cancer symptoms, when they need us most. Why not take on our 9-day challenge and raise vital funds while you raise awareness?!
Take on the 9-day challenge
