Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and has the highest incidence and mortality rate.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix. Cervix is a part of the female reproductive tract. It is located at the lower part of your uterus and connects to the vagina.
Cancer starts when cells in your body grow uncontrollably; this leads to the formation of a mass of cells or a tumor.
Cervical cancer is due to mutation in the DNA of healthy cells. Cells in our body have a definite life span. After some time, cells stop growing and die, but cancerous cells do not cease to grow and form lumps. Most women among the reproductive age group of 20-45 years of age are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
What signs and symptoms can you have?
You would not have any sign or symptom in the precancerous stage. You will experience symptoms only in the early stage of cervical cancer. Your symptoms will become more and more severe as cancer in your body reaches an advanced stage.
The late symptoms will depend on the organ where cancer has spread. It usually spreads to the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.
The following are the most common symptoms that you may experience:
- If you have blood spots or light bleeding between your periods
- If your menstrual cycle is longer and heavier than your usual cycle
- If you bleed after sexual intercourse
- If you have an itching sensation in your vagina, there can be other reasons like a fungal infection, but you must still take advice from your doctor.
- If there is an increased amount of vaginal discharge: It is normal and healthy if you have a vaginal discharge that is clear, white, or slightly yellowish. But if you observe any change in color, consistency, or odor, it is a matter of concern.
- If you experience pain during sexual intercourse
- If you experience bleeding after menopause: Bleeding after menopause is never normal.
- If you have unusual, persistent, unexplained pain in your pelvic region or back
Signs and symptoms you may experience with advanced disease are:
- Swelling of your legs.
- If you have unexplained fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- If you have sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- Problem with peeing.
- Difficulty in bowel movement.
- Blood in your urine.
- Bone pain or fractures.
- Kidney failure.
If you experience any such symptoms, you must consult your doctor. Consultation is necessary, even if you think the symptoms are of a less severe condition.
The earlier you report these symptoms, the better, as early cancer detection improves prognosis. It can be prevented or treated.
If you ignore these symptoms, cancer will become more advanced, lowering your chance of successful treatment.
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