Cervical cancer is known as a silent killer among women for several reasons. One part is that the disease doesn’t show any symptoms until a later stage, and another is that its symptoms are non-specific.
Saying something is non-specific means it’s linked to many other things. Let’s say you’re aware of cervical cancer’s symptoms and you experience any, but because the symptoms are non-specific, it doesn’t automatically mean that what you’re experiencing is cervical cancer.
Regardless, you shouldn’t take it for granted. If you experience any symptoms of cervical cancer, speak to a doctor; it doesn’t hurt to get yourself checked! Remember one thing, many signs of cervical cancer can also be signs of common, benign issues.
The fact that you’re even showing any symptoms can be that it is more serious than that. That is why it is advisable to do routine diagnostic tests; yearly pap tests or HPV tests and speaking to a doctor can help ensure you don’t have any abnormalities in the cervix.
You and your loved ones must take cervical cancer prevention seriously. Even though symptoms usually appear at a later time when the disease is developing, being aware of these symptoms can raise your chances of successful treatment.
Start taking cancer prevention into your hands today! This post reveals a list of common symptoms and early signs of cervical cancer you shouldn’t ignore.
More on cervical cancer
Cervical cancer comes only behind heart disease; it is the second leading cause of death. It’s been reported that 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease arising from the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that can spread or invade other parts of the body.
Over the years, cervical cancer has been the number one cause of death for women, not until a pap smear was introduced in the 1940s. This simple test collects cells from the cervix and analyzes them under a microscope, making it a success in reducing the death rate of the disease by more than 50 per cent.
To prevent most deaths from cervical cancer, routine screening, and follow-up medical care is essential. This is because it usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancerous cells.
Though the disease is rarely experienced in women younger than 20, still it is most common in midlife. Many women don’t even realise that the risk exists as they age, but it’s been said that 15 per cent of the disease cases occur in women over 65.
Causes
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through sexual contact. But thankfully, most women’s bodies can fight against HPV infection before it results in cancer. However, your risk of cervical cancer increases if you use birth control pills for an extended period, smoke, or have had many children.
You should consider getting the HPV vaccine (it’s given in a series of three doses), as a young girl or woman. The vaccine can help protect against several types of HPV, including those strains that cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine is effective only before an infection is contracted, making health experts recommend that girls (even boys too) should get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. Want to know when you can get HPV vaccines? Speak to a doctor. They’ll give you comprehensive information about the vaccine.
Now you’ve been vaccinated, but it is not over yet. You need to keep doing routine cervical cancer screening because the vaccine doesn’t protect all cancer-causing variants of HPV.
Also, it’s equally important for you to be aware of the warning signs of cervical cancer, which often doesn’t cause any symptoms at the early stage of development – pre-cancers or early cancers. Later on, their growth will manifest with symptoms like vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain.
Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
First of all, let’s differentiate between signs and symptoms. Signs are changes in something measured, while symptoms are changes that you can feel in your body. For instance, doing a lab test or taking your blood pressure is what is meant by the word sign. In contrast, having a headache or feeling abdominal pain is what is called a symptom.
In all, signs and symptoms can help to depict a medical condition. The cause of a sign or symptom may also be a medical issue that is not cancer, this is the reason you need to seek medical care if you have a new symptom or sign that doesn’t go away. Signs or symptoms of cervical cancer could be any of the following;
● Bleeding after a pelvic examination, intercourse, or douching
● Unexplained, persistent back and/or pelvic pain
● Light bleeding or blood spots between or following periods
● Increased vaginal discharge
● Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
● Bleeding after menopause
● Pain during sexual intercourse
Early symptoms of cervical cancer
- Vaginal bleeding
Though every woman experiences monthly periods, which is quite natural, abnormal vaginal bleeding and spotting between periods can be concerning. As much as it doesn’t necessarily signify any indication of serious issues, you need to be aware that irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer and should not be left unattended.
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
A usual symptom of cervical cancer is pelvic or abdominal pain. Oftentimes, the discomfort of pelvic pain is felt below the belly button, above your legs. If issues gradually become worse or persist, speak with a doctor.
- Vaginal discharge
In the same way that vaginal bleeding can occur from many different causes, vaginal discharge can occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, the intake of antibiotics or an irregular balance of normal bacteria may lead to unexpected discharge.
Though different textures, smells, and colours all mean several possible signs of vagina discharge, bloody or brown discharge accompanied by pelvic pain may signify cervical cancer.
Advanced symptoms of cervical cancer
a. Discomfort during intercourse
Cervical cancer can affect your sex life. If you experience any unusual discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, speak to a doctor right away. Bleeding during and after intercourse are additional red flags of the condition.
b. Lower back pain
Primarily, cervical cancer affects women between the ages of 35 – 44. Even so, any age post-puberty is predisposed to the disease. Recurrent ache around the pelvis and lower back area is one of the easiest symptoms that can go unnoticed. You need to know if symptoms last more than a week or if conventional relief doesn’t work.
c. Unusual urinary symptoms
The difficulty, urgency, or increased urinating which may even include blood in your urine, all posed a cause for concern. If symptoms persist more than twelve times in a month, be sure to let a physician knows about it.
d. Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss is indicative of cervical cancer, just as it is with other forms of cancer. When you suffer from cancer, your immune system works hard to fight it. While doing that, the body produces cytokines, which degrade fat at a much higher rate than normal.
This leads to weight loss, regardless of your diet. If you notice sudden weight loss and have some of the other symptoms listed in this post, it could be that you have cervical cancer. You must get tested immediately.
Understanding the risk factors of cervical cancer
We’ve talked about human papillomavirus (HPV), being the causative agent of cervical cancer. As much as the virus is a risk factor for the condition, women having genital warts or herpes also have a greater risk. Syphilis, chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, and gonorrhoea are other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that will also increase your risk of HPV. Other risk factors that can increase your chances of cervical cancer include the following;
— A weakened immune system: If you have a weak immune system, you’re also at risk of cervical cancer. Potential causes of a weakened immune system include;
● High-stress levels
● Nutritional deficiencies
● Corticosteroid medications
● Cancer treatments
● Organ transplantation
— Early sexual activity: Sexual activity at an early age increases the risk of HPV and cervical cancer. It is also critical to note that having at least three children in different pregnancies and giving birth at a very young age increases the risk of cervical cancer.
— Multiple sex partners: The more sexual partners you have, the higher your chances of acquiring HIV and other STDs, which can increase your chances of having cervical cancer.
Conclusion
Although cervical cancer only affects women, both men and women are responsible for preventing this disease. Every case of cervical cancer has been attributed to HPV. However, you can prevent the occurrence of HPV by practising safe sex or getting vaccinated.
While many of the symptoms or signs of cervical cancer don’t necessarily mean you have it, the symptoms could be caused by other conditions, such as an infection. Therefore, it is advisable to book an appointment with a medical specialist to get examined, and, of course, get treated.
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