Eight warning signs of cervical cancer revealed

The disease kills thousands of women in Britain and the US each year.

Vital cervical screening tests can detect abnormal cell changes that would otherwise go undetected.

But according to the NHS, a third of women eligible for cervical screening do not take up the offer.

On the occasion of cervical screening awareness week, MailOnline focuses on some of the known and lesser known symptoms of cervical cancer to watch out for.

Unusual vaginal bleeding

Lisa Jacques, lead specialist cancer nurse at online cancer resource Perci Health, said unusual vaginal bleeding is an important sign to watch out for.

If you have regular periods, an example of unusual bleeding could be bleeding between periods, she said.

Other unusual vaginal bleeding may include heavier bleeding, bleeding during or after sex, or bleeding that causes fatigue and dizziness.

Ms Jacques said another warning sign could be bleeding after menopause sets in and you stop menstruating.

Abnormal bleeding can occur because cancerous tissue and the blood vessels are fragile and bleed easily. As it spreads, healthy tissue can also become damaged and bleed.

However, there are many reasons why you have unusual bleeding and it may not be cancer.

Other possible causes include hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), structural abnormalities in your uterus such as polyps or uterine fibroids, sexually transmitted diseases, or a range of other health conditions.

You should see your doctor if you have any unusual bleeding.

Changes in your vaginal discharge

While vaginal discharge is normal, a change in color, thickness, and odor may indicate the disease.

The NHS says healthy vaginal discharge is clear or white, thick and sticky, slippery and wet and has no strong or unpleasant odor.

But a tumor can interfere with the lining of the vagina from producing this healthy discharge.

Cervical cancer can cause it to smell bad and turn pink, brown or bloody, Ms Jacques said.

The change in color could be a sign of blood in the discharge, while an odor and bits of tissue in it could be a result of the tumor becoming infected.

However, bloody discharge does not mean you have cancer, as it can occur just before menstruation, during ovulation, or during pregnancy. And a foul odor may instead be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Pain or discomfort during sex

Ms Jacques said another common symptom of cervical cancer is pain or discomfort during sex.

According to Flo, a period tracking company, this pain can be felt in a variety of ways. such as sharp, stabbing pain, burning or cramping.

If your cervix is ​​inflamed, which can happen during cancer, the pressure of sex can be painful.

However, pain during sex can indicate a variety of health problems, such as an infection, menopause, genital irritation or allergy to soap or condoms, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or uterine fibroids.

Low back or pelvic pain

Low back pain and pain between your hip bones (pelvis) are commonly experienced during menstruation.

But they can also be a sign of cervical cancer “if there is no obvious reason for it,” says Ms Jacques.

The pain is often caused by a tumor pressing on bones, nerves or organs.

NHS guidelines also state that pain in these areas may be a symptom of cancer and adds that you should also watch out for abdominal pain.

Low back pain does not necessarily mean you have cancer and can be the result of other health problems or an injury.

Urinary tract problems

A lesser-known symptom of cervical cancer can be urinary problems, such as frequent urination.

Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, a women’s health company, said: ‘The cervix is ​​below the bladder, so irregular cervical growths, such as tumors, are likely to have a direct impact on your bladder.

“As a result, cervical cancer can sometimes affect a woman’s urination habits, causing them to urinate more often.”

Ms. Jacques also says that blood in your urine, loss of bladder control, persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and “any other change in your bladder habits” can be symptoms.

Urinary tract problems can also be caused by infections, pregnancy, childbirth, what or how much you have been drinking, enlarged prostate or menopause, among other things.

Constipation or other bowel problems

Cancer Research UK says bowel problems could also be a warning sign of cervical cancer.

It says, “Sometimes cancer can grow so much that it completely blocks the bowel. The waste products from the food you have digested cannot get past the blockage.’

The charity says this blockage can cause symptoms such as feeling bloated and full, vomiting, nausea, constipation, trapped wind and pain.

Bowel problems can be a sign of other mild illnesses or simply what you ate.

Leg pain and swelling

Ms Jacques said leg pain and swelling is another lesser known symptom of the disease.

Cancer Research UK says cervical cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the area between the hip bones.

You can also develop tumors in your pelvic area that then press against the pelvic wall and cause pain.

Other causes of leg pain include injury, blood clots, poor circulation, or varicose veins.

Leg swelling can also be the result of being overweight, pregnant, eating a lot of salt or taking certain medications.

Unexplained weight loss

Ms Jacques claimed that unexplained weight loss is another sign to watch out for.

The Moffitt Cancer Center’s advice page stated, “Like many cancers, cervical cancer can cause loss of appetite.

“In addition, weight loss can be a problem regardless of the amount of food consumed.”

With cancer, the immune system has to work harder and the body produces small proteins called cytokines – which can cause the body to burn calories and break down fat and muscle faster than normal.

However, unexplained weight loss can mean several things, such as mental illness, digestive problems, or other health problems.