'I'm lucky my cancer had a warning sign'

A mum-of-two says she is one of the lucky ones, after her cervical cancer was diagnosed in the early stages thanks to a warning symptom.

Becky Curtis, 42, from Wiltshire, was rushed in for emergency surgery within 24 hours of doctors discovering her tumour.

She has now been in remission for five years and is warning others to be clued up on the symptoms.

"Don't ignore it – get an appointment with your GP. It really could save your life," said Ms Curtis.

Cervical cancer is often called a "silent killer" because it can often have no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

Ms Curtis' only warning sign was "bleeding intermittently", which worsened when she walked.

"They could see there was a tumour, but fortunately the cancer hadn't spread," she said.

"It was a very scary time for me personally, and with it all taking place in lockdown it was quite overwhelming."

Ms Curtis had her operation on her son's 14th birthday, which she said "added to the emotion".

"I had a very anxious wait after the operation, but it was good news and the surgery had been a success. I know for many women the outcomes can be very different," she said.

"I think some people don't realise that cervical cancer can be a deadly killer, but it really can be."

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that four out of five people will contract during their lifetime.

The HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer significantly, but Dr Glenda Beard, GP and clinical lead for cancer at the NHS Integrated Care Board, said people still needed to attend their cervical screening when invited.

"Cervical cancer can be prevented and cervical screening is an important part of this prevention," she said.

"It checks for changes in the cervix that can lead to a cancer developing if left undetected and untreated."

According to the latest NHS England data, more than five million eligible women are not up to date with their routine screening - with the lowest uptake being among those aged between 25 and 29.

"Unfortunately no vaccine is 100% perfect, so it's still really important that you get the screening and don't be falsely reassured," Dr Beard added.

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.

About 3,200 women are diagnosed with the disease every year in the UK.

The Royal United Hospital (RUH) explained cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and "treated promptly".

Symptoms can include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain in the pelvis

Not everybody will experience these symptoms, but Ms Curtis said her message to other women was: "If something doesn't feel right, get it checked."

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week takes place from 21 to 28 January.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.