Cervical cancer symptoms: Watch out for these five signs of the condition
CERVICAL cancer symptoms can be caused by an infection from HPV virus, which can cause the cancer to develop. You should watch out for these five signs of the condition.
How to find out if you have Cervical Cancer
- Cervical cancer symptoms can cause discomfort in the lower area of the body
- Signs of the UK's 13th most common cancer can include unusual bleeding and problems with sex
- Symptoms of cervical cancer may also include a vaginal discharge
- You should look out for these five signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer symptoms include discomfort to the lower area of the body in females.
“Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina),” said the NHS on its website.
“It mainly affects sexually active women between 30 and 45.”
Men cannot develop this type of cancer as they do not have female reproductive organs, but they can have prostate cancer, which affects men only.
You should watch out for these five symptoms of the UK’s 13th most common cancer, as listed by the NHS and Cancer Research UK.
Cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding and signs of pain and discomfort during sex
Unusual bleeding
“In most cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer,” says the NHS.
“This includes bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after you have been through the menopause.”
The national healthcare provider recommends visiting your GP if you experience “any type” of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Pain and discomfort during sex
This is caused by irritation in the female reproductive organs due to the presence of cancer.
Pain in your lower back or pelvis
Experiencing pain or discomfort in these areas could also suggest that cancer's presence, as it causes problems in the surrounding area.
Unusual or unpleasant vaginal discharge
Any fluids coming out of the vaginal that are unusual could be an indication of something more serious.
“Vaginal discharge is normal - most women and girls get it,” says the NHS.
“It’s a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection.”
However, it could be a sign of infection if it smells fishy, is thick like cottage cheese, or yellow and frothy.
Cancer Research UK says you should be aware of it if it “smells unpleasant”.
Bleeding after sex
Cancer Research UK says this may also be a symptom, and if you experience it you should get checked by your GP. However, it adds that it usually isn’t something to worry about.
“Bleeding after sex isn’t necessarily a sign of cervical cancer,” it says on its website.
“It’s often caused by something called a cervical erosion, when cells normally inside the cervix canal can be seen outside.”
There are almost 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK each year, or nine every day.
You also shouldn’t ignore constipation as a possible sign of the cancer.