Cervical cancer: It only ends with all of us

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Key:

Black text – voiceover

Blue italics – text appearing on screen

Green text – phone messages / notifications appearing on screen

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On-screen text: Cervical cancer: It only ends with all of us.

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VO: Life is busy.

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Notification: Maria’s cervical screening appointment: 14:45

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VO: The day-to-day can get in the way of what’s really important.

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Notification: Cervical screening appointment: 14:45

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VO: Screening uptake in Europe varies. Some countries reach 70%, others just 30%

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On-screen text: Screening uptake in Europe varies. Some countries reach 70%, others just 30%.

’ACTION AREA 2: Early Detection by HPV Testing’, Achieving the Possible – A Four Step Plan for Eliminating HPV Cancers in Europe, European Cancer Organisation.

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VO: Why? Fear, embarrassment, stigma, misunderstanding, discomfort, pain, permission

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On-screen text: Fear, embarrassment, stigma, misunderstanding, discomfort, pain, permission

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Notification: Luca Friday – are you picking up the kids?

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VO: And we know that many simply don’t feel that they can make the time.

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Notification: Jules Saturday – We’ve got lunch with my mum and dad today…

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VO: Because these important people in our lives are in demand.

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Notification: Noah Wednesday – have you seen the car keys?

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Notification: Sofia Tuesday – Don’t forget to take me to my dentist appointment

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Notification: Charlie Thursday – where are you Mum…

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VO: So, what needs to change?

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VO: Do you know if your loved ones need to go to their cervical screening?

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Notification: Maria’s cervical screening appointment: 14:45

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VO: Do you know when?

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VO: Are you supporting them?

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VO: Reminding them?

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Notification: Hi darling: reminder to book your cervical screening today. Love you, Mum xxx

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VO: Reassuring them?

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Notification: 5 minutes for peace of mind. Then lunch on me. Deal, Mum? Xxx

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VO: Going with them?

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Notification: I’m outside and coming with you!

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VO: Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable. 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)

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On-screen text: 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

With screening and vaccination, cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable.

NHS England, Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan, england.nhs.uk

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VO: But we’re still losing

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VO: Our friends

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VO: Our partners

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VO: Our colleagues

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VO: Our relatives

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VO: Missed screenings mean missed chances of eliminating cervical cancer for good. If we all take a role in supporting people to go to their cervical screening, we increase our chances of beating this disease – not just today, but forever. Join the movement.

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VO: Cervical cancer: It only ends with all of us

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On-screen text: Cervical cancer: It only ends with all of us

We know that cervical cancer is highly preventable and can be eliminated for good.

Yet globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and approximately 604,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year.1

Nearly all cervical cancers (99.8%) are caused by the virus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is primarily transmitted through sexual activity.2 HPV infection is common: around 80% of sexually active women, people with a cervix and men will contract HPV at some point in their lives.3 For most people with healthy immune systems, the body is able to keep the virus in check and doesn't cause them any problems. However, some types of HPV increase the risk of cervical cancer, particularly if the virus stays in the body for a long time.4

Regular cervical screenings check for HPVand detect early abnormal changes in the cervix, helping to identify individuals who may be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Detecting these risks early enables timely intervention, stopping potential disease progression before it develops further.

The earlier that these risks are found, the quicker they can be managed. When cervical cancer is caught at an early stage, the survival rate is 91%.5

This means that, not only can cervical screening save lives, but it can also help eliminate cervical cancer when combined with vaccination and the early treatment of precancerous changes.

Cervical screening is a quick test to help prevent cervical cancer from occurring. It can feel uncomfortable and create feelings of embarrassment. But only when all women and people with a cervix get screened can we hope to eliminate this disease, which still affects so many.

Our recent six-country European survey found that 1 in 4 still cancel or delay their screening appointments, and of those who do:

• 20% did so because it wasn’t convenient

• 27% did so because of work commitments

Life gets busy for us all. For people with a cervix who are eligible for cervical screening, it can be difficult to balance appointments amongst other responsibilities.

Everyone has a part to play in improving cervical screening rates. Small, simple acts from families, workplaces, and communities can have a life-saving impact.

Together, we can increase cervical screening rates and eliminate cervical cancer for everyone – now and in the future.

Check out our social channels to start the conversation and join the movement. #CervicalCancerItOnlyEndsWithAllOfUs

Everyone should feel confident and supported to prioritise their health. 

Normalising cervical health
When cervical screening is seen as routine and vital by all, we can eliminate fear, embarrassment, and hesitation.

Our survey showed us that fear, particularly of embarrassment and discomfort, is a major barrier to getting screened: a far greater barrier than for other routine health checks. 

The way we talk about both Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer, and cervical screenings matters. With our friends and families, in the workplace, on the internet, normalising screenings and prioritising cervical health better prepares and empowers those eligible to attend their appointments.

Proactivity makes a difference
Modern-day life is filled with busy demands, and this often impacts those eligible for screening the most. Supporting those around us practically with childcare, household duties, and transportation can be the reason someone feels able to book their appointment and attend.

This support doesn’t stop once the appointment is over. Checking in before, afterwards and recognising the experience can help someone feel seen, supported, and empowered to continue prioritising their health.

Many women say that support from their partner can have a major influence on their decision to get a cervical screening.6 As partners, friends, and family members, you can help ease any anxieties around the appointment and provide the space to prioritise them by:

• Offering emotional reassurance

• Opening conversations to normalise the process

• Accompanying them to appointments 

• Taking on any additional responsibilities

A collective responsibility
We are calling on individuals, partners, families, colleagues, and healthcare professionals to support efforts to improve screening attendance, creating a culture where it is not just normalised, but valued.

By coming together to share knowledge, open conversations about screening, and support one another, we can help everyone eligible to make confident, informed decisions about their health.

We can tackle the stigma, dispel the myths and fears, support those around us as a community, encourage more people to get screened, and ultimately, eliminate cervical cancer. 

Join the movement with us on social media using the hashtag #CervicalCancerItOnlyEndsWithAllOfUs

The goal
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set an ambitious global target: to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. We know that this is possible. But achieving this requires coordinated action across healthcare systems, workplaces, and within communities to improve screening uptake and remove access barriers.

Why this matters
Cervical cancer is preventable. Early detection through regular screening helps prevent most cases, yet 604,000 cases are diagnosed globally every year.7 Our recent six-country European survey shows that 1 in 4 eligible people are still missing their routine cervical screenings.

Overcoming the barriers to screening
Through surveying women across Europe, we know what the key barriers are preventing them from attending their screening appointments:

• Work conflicts and time constraints

• Fear, embarrassment, misinformation

• Accessibility

• Family obligations

These challenges are not insurmountable, but they do require effort across the sector. This includes:

• Workplace policies that enable women to attend their appointments within working hours and encourage employer engagement in public health,

• Culturally sensitive awareness campaigns and patient education,

• Expanding mobile clinics, opening hours, and integrating other screening into health visits, and

• Providing childcare support at clinics and promoting flexible scheduling.

Eliminating cervical cancer will require multi-stakeholder collaboration:

Everyone has a role in enabling empowerment. We need:

• Healthcare providers to deliver accessible, person-centred screening and follow-up,

• Employers to adopt flexible scheduling and encourage employee attendance

• Policymakers to fund and implement nationwide screening programmes with equity in mind, and 

• NGOs and community leaders to tackle stigma and misinformation.

Cervical cancer elimination is not only possible – it is within our reach. By integrating cervical health into public health policy, workplace practices, and community outreach, we can dramatically increase screening uptake, close equity gaps, and save millions of lives.

For more on the global policy landscape and promising innovations like HPV self-collection, explore this article.

Join the movement with us on social media using the hashtag #CervicalCancerItOnlyEndsWithAllOfUs

Cervical cancer is preventable.

Finding cancer early means treatment is more effective, and can save lives. Over 90% of people who are diagnosed at an early stage survive, compared to less than 17% at a later stage.8

The only way to make sure we diagnose cervical cancer early is through cervical screenings.

We see you
1 in 4 women and people with a cervix have delayed or cancelled their cervical screening appointments. 

We’ve heard from women and people with a cervix across Europe. We know the challenges of balancing careers, caregiving, relationships, and endless responsibilities. This can make it easy to put your health further and further down the priority list. 

It’s time to change that.

If you feel nervous, you are not alone
Many people can feel anxious, embarrassed or unsure about their cervical screenings. Especially if it’s your first time. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but we want to change that. 

What to expect
During a cervical screening appointment, you will be: 

• Asked to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You will be given a sheet to put over you.

• You will then lie down on a bed, and the nurse or doctor will ask if it’s ok to come in.

• You will likely be asked to bend your legs, with your feet together and knees apart – but you can discuss with your healthcare professional what is most comfortable.

• They will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped medical-instrument (a speculum) into your vagina. Lubricant may be used. 

• The healthcare professional will open the speculum to view your cervix. 

• Using a small, soft swab or brush they will take a sample of cells from your cervix. 

• The nurse or doctor will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed, and your swabs will be sent for testing. 

Screening is quick, safe, and designed to put you in control. During your appointment, you can:

• Choose your position for comfort

• Ask for a speculum that best fits your body

• Discuss pain management with your nurse or doctor

• Request a chaperone

• Take a break if you need to

• Self-collect a sample if this is offered at your clinic

The test lasts just a few minutes, but those minutes can provide years of protection. 

You are part of a movement
Every time you book and attend your screening, you help break the stigma and encourage others to look after themselves, too.

Amongst life’s priorities, your health remains vitally important. Discuss your concerns with those around you that you trust and ask for support where you need it. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and seek reliable information to help you make informed decisions.

We need to break the silence and build a culture of support so that everyone feels empowered to take their health seriously.

Cervical cancer only ends when we all work together, seek the support we need to attend these vital cervical screenings, and encourage those around us to do the same.

Join the movement with us on social media using the hashtag #CervicalCancerItOnlyEndsWithAllOfUs