A SPECIALIST Macmillan cancer nurse who helps women across Worcestershire affected by cervical cancer has given her support to Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

Nicky Plant, who is based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, provides support and care to ensure their patients don’t feel alone during their treatment.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is taking place from January 25 to 31, and aims to highlight the signs and symptoms to look out for when identifying cervical cancer as well as providing steps that can be taken to aid prevention.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, usually between periods, or after sex.

Other risk factors which will be highlighted during the week include smoking, a weakened immune system, the contraceptive pill, human papilloma virus (HPV) and sex.

Nicky works closely with other hospitals across the county, as well as local hospices, community palliative care teams, community nurses and GP’s to provide patients with the information prevention week is highlighting.

She said: “The best part of my role is meeting and helping very courageous patients and their families and knowing that at the end of each working day, I have made a positive difference to each patient and helped them through their cancer journey.”

According to experts, the best way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer is through regular screening tests and vaccinations, which are now routinely given to girls aged between 12 and 13-years-old across the country.

For more information from Macmillan about cervical cancer, visit macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 0000.