The Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton has seen a 121 per cent increase in inquiries about cervical cancer and 150 per cent increase in appointments for cervical cancer screening in the last four months.

In addition, more than 20,000 people have visited the BMI Healthcare website searching for information on cervical cancer.

Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr David Griffiths at The Ridgeway Hospital, said: “It is very positive that more women are inquiring about cervical cancer and how to get screened "For those who think they might be at risk but are hesitant to find out, they should know that cervical cancer if diagnosed in its very early stages, in 95 to 98 percent of cases , can be treated or managed, so it’s crucial that women get regular screenings.”

Cervical cancer is still quite a rare condition with two out of every 100 cancers diagnosed in women as cervical. More than 4.4 million women are invited to attend cervical cancer screening each year in England. However in 2007-8, only 66.2 per cent of women aged 25-29 attended screening. Here Mr Griffiths from BMI The Ridgeway Hospital answers common questions about cervical cancer.

What puts someone at risk for cervical cancer?

High-risk types of the human papilloma virus, a common virus passed on through sexual intercourse, is associated with 99 percent of cervical cancers. There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing cervical cancer: smoke, starting to have sex at an early age, having many sexual partners, or have a partner who has had many partners, taking the contraceptive pill long-term or haveing a weakened immune system.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can occur when cells in the neck of the womb develop abnormally. Usually there are no symptoms to show that abnormal cells have developed which is why it is important to have regular screening. The following symptoms are associated with cervical cancer but are also common symptoms of a range of other conditions. If you have any of these symptoms you should consult your GP.

You may have bleeding: Between periods, after or during sex, at any time if you are past your menopause. Some women also experience a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant or discomfort or pain during sex.

How do I get tested for cervical cancer?

A cervical screen test is the most effective way of detecting any abnormal cells. Since the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Programme in 1988 there has been a significant decrease in cases of cervical cancer. In the UK, the NHS routinely invites women aged between 25 and 49 for screening every three years.

A practice nurse or GP usually does a screening test. The procedure usually takes about five minutes.

Most women find it a little uncomfortable, but not painful. During the test, cells from the cervix (the neck of the womb) are taken with a plastic cervical broom and placed in liquid or a wooden spatula called an "endocervical brush" and placed on a slide. The sample will be sent to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist who will look for abnormal cells.

BMI Hospitals use liquid cytology testing for cervical smears. A full pelvic and cervical examination is also conducted and, where necessary, a high vaginal swab. In addition, they offer a diagnostic test for HPV. Where appropriate they will also offer HPV vaccination.

If my smear test is abnormal does that mean I have cervical cancer?

Although the results of most tests are normal, around one in ten women have an abnormal result at some point in their life. It is important to remember that an abnormal screening result does not mean that you have cervical cancer. The vast majority of women who have an abnormal smear, or suspicious symptoms, do not have cancer. Treating abnormal pre-cancerous cells can stop a cancer from developing.

Your doctor will suggest more tests if you've had an abnormal smear. To find out more about the abnormality, and to see whether you have cervical cancer, your specialist may ask you to have a colposcopy (when a magnifying instrument is used to carry out a close examination of your cervix) or a cone biopsy (when abnormal cells are surgically removed from the cervix). Cone biopsy may successfully treat the problem by removing the abnormal area. But you will have to go for follow up smears to make sure the abnormal cells don't come back.

How can I help to protect myself from cervical cancer?

Practising safe sex effectively reduces the chances of a woman contracting HPV, one of the main risk factors for cervical cancer. It is important that women always practice safe sex by using condoms.

If you have any questions or concerns about cervical cancer screening consult your GP. Alternatively you can visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk or contact 0800 004 600.