9 cervical cancer symptoms you shouldn't dismiss as 'normal'
Sadly, we all likely know someone who has been impacted by cancer – and the type most likely to be seen in young women is cervical (it mainly impacts sexually active women between the ages of 30 and 45).
According to data from Cancer Research, 1 in 142 females in the UK will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis in their lifetime and there are around 3,200 new cases diagnosed each year (almost nine a day). Tragically, there are also approximately 850 cervical cancer-related deaths each year too.
While this might all sound pretty scary, there is so much incredible research happening in the cervical cancer treatment space, leading to happier outcomes, and improved awareness means people are now able to recognise signs of the disease earlier too.
Screening is also key – so if you're over 25 and have started to receive invites from the NHS to get a test, make sure you attend (and if you're worried or nervous about it, your GP should listen to those concerns and put a plan in place to help you through the appointment).
"Cervical cancer often doesn’t present any noticeable symptoms until the disease is advanced. This is why it's vital that all women and assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals attend their regular cervical screenings (smear tests)," Valentina Milanova, a women's health expert and founder of gynaecological health startup Daye tells Cosmopolitan UK.
Cervical screening tests check for HPV, which causes the majority of cervical cancer cases, explains Milanova. "Fortunately, if cervical cancer is detected early it is one of the most successfully treatable cancers," she adds.
It's also important to be aware of any new symptoms, which may include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, changes to vaginal discharge or pain in your lower back or between your hip bones.
Research from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust previously showed that almost half of 18-24 year old women believed vaginal bleeding to be normal or expected, when in actuality it is one of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer and should generally be monitored and investigated. Over half of the 18-24-year-old females surveyed who had experienced unusual vaginal bleeding admitted to the charity that they did not tell their GP.
While more often than not, the symptoms associated with cervical cancer are likely down to an entirely unrelated reason, it's still important to get them checked out by a GP.
Here, Dr. Jan Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer at MEDIGO, and Valentina Milanova outline some of the signs of cervical cancer in more detail.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
1. Irregular bleeding
"One of the most common and early signs of cervical cancer is irregular bleeding, which can happen between periods or after sex. Typically, this symptom begins to occur when the cancer cells grow on the tissue below the cervix. This is an especially alarming sign in postmenopausal women who no longer have periods," says Dr. Schaefer.
2. Unusual discharge
"Another warning sign of cervical cancer could be unusual vaginal discharge, as defined by colour, smell or consistency. This happens when the cancer begins to lack oxygen, causing an infection that leads to discharge and a strange smell," according to Dr. Schaefer. "While vaginal discharge can be a symptom of many other things, vaginal discharge that persists over a long period of time is definitely worth seeing a GP about."
3. Pain during sex
"Early stages of cervical cancer typically don’t have any symptoms, but pain during intercourse, and bleeding afterwards, could be a sign that the cancer is spreading to the surrounding tissues," explains Dr. Schaefer.
4. Pain or discomfort while urinating
"Cervical cancer can sometimes cause irritation or pressure on the bladder or urethra, leading to pain or discomfort during urination. This symptom should be monitored and investigated," advises Milanova.
5. Changes in bowel habits
"In some cases, cervical cancer may affect the nearby rectum or colon, leading to changes in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in the stool," according to Milanova.
6. Unusual weight loss
Dr. Schaefer says, "A loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss can be symptoms of a number of cancers, including cervical cancer. It is a particularly telling sign if weight loss persists, no matter how much food is consumed."
7. Sore legs
"When cervical cancer grows, it might start to press against the nerves in the lower back, which can lead to leg pain and some swelling. Swelling and pain separately can be a symptom of a number of different conditions, but together they could indicate cervical cancer," continues Dr. Schaefer.
8. Lower back pain
"Persistent pain in the lower back, pelvis or appendix area can also be a warning sign of cervical cancer, as pains in that region can be associated with reproductive organs," says Dr. Schaefer. "However, this is only a symptom of cervical cancer that has become quite advanced, so is only something to really worry about when it coincides with the above symptoms."
9. Fatigue
"While fatigue can be a symptom of many conditions, including cervical cancer, unexplained and persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest should be taken seriously and discussed with a healthcare professional," explains Milanova.
It's worth reiterating these symptoms could be indicative of a number of other health conditions. "The only way to know for certain if your symptoms could be cervical cancer is to get a smear test, which will detect any cancerous cells," says Dr. Schaefer.
Milanova adds, "If you or someone you know are experiencing any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor or your local sexual health clinic to investigate further."
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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