RCN guidance: Human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical screening and cervical cancer (last updated 1 Feb 2024)

Summary

Worldwide, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death from cancer in women. Cervical cancer accounts for 2% of all new cancer cases in females in the UK (Cancer Research UK 2016) and is, generally, a preventable disease.

The primary cause of cervical abnormalities and cancer is persistent or chronic infection with one or more of the high-risk (oncogenic) types of human papillomavirus (HPV). In most women and men who become infected with HPV, these infections will resolve spontaneously (without treatment). However, for a minority of women, the infection leads to abnormal changes to the cervix, which, if not treated, may progress to cancer 10 to 20 years later. Both understanding and identifying HPV are important public health concerns and form part of the UK National Screening Programme.

Content

In order to support informed and sensitive care of women, this Royal College of Nursing publication focuses on:

• an overview of HPV (including the current vaccination recommendations)
• the national cervical screening programmes
• information about colposcopy
• key facts on cervical cancer.