Dr Thomas Ind: Cervical cancer, screening, HPV and prevention

Dr Thomas Ind is a Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, one of the UK's most senior gynaecological oncology surgeons, and currently President of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society. He has spent many years specialising in cervical cancer and was involved in the development and introduction of fertility-preserving surgery for women with early-stage cervical cancer.

In this episode, Joyce and Tom discuss cervical cancer, HPV and why cervical screening remains one of the greatest success stories in cancer prevention. Tom explains what cervical cancer is, how HPV causes the vast majority of cases, why HPV vaccination has been so effective, and why attending regular smear tests is still essential, even if you have been vaccinated. They also discuss the symptoms of cervical cancer, risk factors, and how treatment has evolved to become more effective and, in some cases, fertility-preserving.

The conversation also tackles common myths surrounding HPV and vaccination, explores exciting developments in self-testing, and highlights how increasing uptake of vaccination and screening could make cervical cancer increasingly rare.