WOMEN being treated for cervical cell changes "are not being informed about potential side effects", research by a cancer support charity has found.
Around 220,000 women are diagnosed with cell changes every year in the UK, with prevention treatment having a "highly effective" 90 per cent success rate.
After treatment most will not experience a recurrence or go on to have a cervical cancer diagnosis.
But, despite 71 per cent of patients experiencing anxiety just six per cent of those surveyed by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust "were made aware" this could happen.
Meanwhile, one in five of those asked did not have "possible impacts of treatment" explained to them at all.
Despite effective treatment and management services for side effects, 55 per cent did not seek help for pelvic pain and 47 per cent did not ask for support over fertility concerns.
This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week and the charity has released its findings to ensure patients are better informed.
Head of support services Rebeeca Shoosmith said there must be an acknowledgement of "the impact diagnosis and treatment can have on women".
"While for many women diagnosis and treatment is relatively straightforward, it is clear that for others it is the opposite.
"The psychological impact can be significant and feeling uninformed will only add to women feeling less able to seek support."
She called on medics to ensure there is "greater discussion about side-effects" during appointments, and GPs and practice nurses to make a point of finding out if further support is needed.
