Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer You Should Not
Ignore
Cervical
cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. It occurs in the
cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
The American Cancer Society estimates
that about 12,900 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed and about
4,100 women will die from this disease in 2015. These estimations are shocking
but true.
Almost
all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus called human pusillanimous (HPV). Women of all ages are at risk of
developing this cancer after they begin having sexual intercourse.
Risk factors include unsafe sex,
multiple sex partners, being overweight, use of oral contraceptives, genetics,
smoking, poor immunity, multiple pregnancies and first pregnancy at a young
age.
One of the scariest things about this
cancer is that it does not show any symptoms in its early stages. After the
disease has spread to the bladder, liver, intestines or lungs, the symptoms are
more prominent.
Being an adult woman, if you notice any
unusual changes or symptoms affecting your reproductive organs, consult your
doctor.
Always bear in mind that your chances of
successfully treating cervical cancer are higher if it is detected during the
early stages. With the use of Pap tests and the HPV vaccination, it’s become
possible to treat as well as prevent cervical cancer.
With knowledge of the risk factors and
warning signs of cervical cancer, you can save yourself and others from a
lifetime of suffering.
Here are the top 10 warning signs of cervical
cancer you should not ignore.
1. Abnormal Vaginal
Bleeding
Most women diagnosed with cervical
cancer experience irregular bleeding.
An untimely bout of vaginal bleeding
that occurs regularly could be an indicator of cervical cancer. It could also
be due to other medical conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance, pelvic
inflammatory disease or an infection in the pelvic organs.
As cancer spreads to nearby tissues, it
creates new, abnormal capillaries that break easily and cause bleeding.
Such bleeding may happen between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse,
after menopause and even after a pelvic exam.
Contact your doctor if you
experience bleeding between menstrual cycles or following sexual intercourse.
2. Unusual Vaginal
Discharge
A little bit of clear, odorless vaginal
discharge is normal. However, if vaginal discharge increases, smells foul or
has an irregular appearance, it could be a sign of infection or cervical or
endometrial cancer.
When suffering from cervical cancer,
vaginal discharge could be heavy, pale, watery, and brown or mixed with blood.
If you experience this symptom, report
it to your doctor immediately.
3. Pain during
Intercourse
Painful intercourse is another important
warning sign of cervical cancer. This symptom indicates advanced cervical
cancer, which means the cancer has spread throughout tissues and reproductive
organs. Apart from pain, you may also experience other symptoms, such as thick, foul-smelling
vaginal discharge.
There are other possible reasons for
this particular problem, such as an infection or STD.
Do not ignore this symptom. Get your
cervix examined by your doctor.
4. Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is common among women.
Cramping and aches are a normal part of the menstrual cycle and do not usually
indicate the presence of cancer or any other serious condition. However, pain
that lasts for longer periods of time and occurs more frequently could be a
sign of cervical cancer.
If suffering from cervical cancer, you
may experience pelvic pain at unusual times, and the pain may start suddenly at
any time during the month. In addition, such pain usually does not occur unless
the cancer is in a very advanced stage.
If you have experience pelvic pain or
pressure, visit your doctor to find out the exact cause and rule out the
possibility of cancer.
5. Discomfort while
Urinating
Cervical cancer can also
cause discomfort during urination. In fact, it is one of the most obvious
and prevalent symptoms of this deadly disease.
Urinary discomforts include burning,
stinging or a tight sensation while urinating. Such symptoms occur when the
cancer has spread to nearby tissue. This requires immediate attention to
prevent further damage.
However, urinary discomforts also can be
due to other causes, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder problem, yeast
infection or sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Get checked by your doctor for proper
diagnosis and treatment.
6. Heavier and Longer
Menstrual Periods
Menstrual periods that are heavier and
longer than normal are another common warning sign of cervical cancer.
Irritation of the cervix, possibly due to spread of cervical cancer, can cause
this problem.
Bleeding is considered heavy if you have
to change sanitary napkins or tampons more often than once every 2 hours.
Apart from cancer, heavy
bleeding can be due to a hormonal imbalance, fibroid, polyps, pelvic
inflammatory disease, endometriosis or thyroid, liver or kidney disease. It can
even happen due to certain medications.
Any change in the consistency of monthly
periods should be discussed with your doctor. Remember that prevention is
better than the cure.
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