A global study headed by University College London discovered that using current medications more effectively reduces the chance of passing away from the illness by 35 per cent.
Since 1999, chemoradiation therapy (CRT), which combines radiation and chemotherapy, has been the standard of care.
The 500-patient research discovered that starting CRT with a six-week course of chemotherapy greatly increases the likelihood of survival for those with the condition.
The study involved 250 women with cervical cancer who underwent an intense six-week course of carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. This was followed by the "usual" course of irradiation plus weekly cisplatin and brachytherapy.
As part of the control group, 250 other women got just standard chemotherapy and radiation. Of individuals who had received the new treatment, 80 per cent were still alive after five years, and 73 per cent had not seen any recurrence or spread of their cancer.
In the UK, 3,200 women, mostly in their thirties, are affected by cervical cancer every year, which results in 850 deaths.
Comparatively, 72 per cent of the "usual" therapy group was still alive, and 64 per cent had not seen a recurrence or spread of their cancer.
Sky Sports presenter Jo Wilson previously announced she has been diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. The 37-year-old host, who has been a firm fixture on the sports broadcaster since 2015, revealed she is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment following her diagnosis this summer.
Mrs Wilson explained she had gone for a routine smear test in June, with the results detecting signs of cancer. In July, further tests showed the broadcaster was battling 3b cervical cancer and it had already spread to two lymph nodes.
The presenter explained that she was due a smear while pregnant with her daughter Mabel in 2020 but following a traumatic forceps delivery, where they both caught sepsis, she delayed getting it done.
The host, who has bravely gone public with her diagnosis during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, added she’s “hanging onto the positives”.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s detected anywhere in the cervix. According to the NHS, almost all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
If you have cervical cancer, some of the symptoms you may encounter are unusual vaginal bleeding, having heavier periods, changes to your vaginal discharge, pain during sex, pain in your lower back, or pain in your hip bones or your lower tummy.
Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer and you’re more at risk if you’re under 45 as it’s more common in younger people.
You also have a heightened risk if you have a weakened immune system such as HIV or AIDS, or have given birth under the age of 17.
How do you get tested?
Cervical cancer can be detected through a smear test. It usually grows very slowly so it can be found and treated before it spreads.
All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. If the cervical screening finds changes to your cells that are caused by HPV, you will be referred to a colposcopy for a closer look.
For more information about cervical cancer visit Jo’s Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity or call the helpline 0808 802 8000.
