This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week - and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, one of the UK’s leading cervical cancer charities, has launched its biggest ever campaign.

The goal is simple: to end cervical cancer. It sounds ambitious, but the charity believes it’s possible through a combination of increased vaccination and cervical screenings, along with treatment for cell changes and, most importantly, funding to increase awareness.

The charity says: “We also want to see government commitments to elimination, with strategies to make sure that no-one is missed out or left behind. This means tackling inequalities in cervical cancer prevention, ensuring we have the technology and workforces we need, and researching better and more effective ways to prevent cancer.”

The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk HPV sometimes causes changes in the cells of the cervix, which can develop into cervical cancer, which usually happens slowly over five to 20 years.

Data from NHS England shows that around 4.6 million women aged 25 to 64 in England have never been screened for cervical cancer or have not had recent tests. This figure amounts to 30% of women in England, which is a 10-year high.

It is vitally important that people are aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer which include:

• Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods
• Changes to vaginal discharge
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis).

If you are experiencing these symptoms it is important that you seek advice from your GP as soon as possible.

When it comes to cancer, prompt investigation and treatment is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and to give the best chance of recovery. If you believe your symptoms were missed or overlooked, or your concerns dismissed leading to a delay in diagnosis, then we may be able to support you in seeking clinical negligence compensation.

Higgs LLP have supported individuals affected by cervical cancer, as well as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung and colon cancer.

Nothing can make up for the devastation of being diagnosed with cancer, but compensation can make life a little easier for you and your family. It may help you address some of the life changes imposed by a delay in diagnosing cancer due to medical negligence.

We are committed to supporting you throughout the process of making a compensation claim, in order to help you rebuild and enhance your quality of life.

If you or someone you know has experienced delayed cancer diagnosis or misdiagnosis and you would like to talk about the support available, you can speak to Natasha Alton at Higgs LLP on 01384 327 337 or email natasha.alton@higgsllp.co.uk.