The American Cancer Society estimates that 12,800 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017, and nearly 4,000 women will die from the disease.
As a rule, women do not notice the symptoms of cervical cancer until the advanced stage. Knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer can help with early detection for the best treatment.
1) Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Cervical cancer is usually abnormal vaginal bleeding. These include: irregular menstrual cycles, bleeding between periods, after intercourse, after menopause, and after pelvic exams.
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When cervical cancer grows around the perimeter of the cervix, the edges can dry out and crack. According to WomensHealthMag.com, simply walking or having sex can cause cracks to crack and bleed.
2) Bladder or rectal bleeding
When the cervix swells, the bladder and rectum swell and these tissues rupture.
3) Unexplained weight loss
The body produces cytokines to protect itself from infection. These proteins break down fats and proteins. Cancer produces a lot of cytokines that break down fats and proteins much faster than normal.
4) Abnormal vaginal discharge
Cancer usually grows inside the opening of the cervix. The cells around the opening of the cervix are damaged, and foul-smelling discharge comes out of the vagina. This discharge may be brown, pale, watery, or contain blood.
5) Constant fatigue
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is another side effect. It reduces the content of oxygen and red blood cells in the body and makes women tired.
6) Leg pain and swelling
If cervical cancer grows and progresses, it can press on the nerves in the pelvic wall. This causes leg pain and swelling.
7) Back pain
When cervical cancer develops, the cervix begins to swell and press on nearby blood vessels. The cervix then blocks blood flow from the legs to the rest of the body, causing pain. NHS.uk adds that severe back pain can be caused by swollen kidneys.
8) Pain and discomfort during sex
Painful intercourse can be the result of tumor growth in all reproductive organs and tissues affected by cervical cancer.
9) Problems with urination
Sometimes cervical cancer can block the kidneys and muscles that push urine into the bladder. It causes difficulty in urinating.
Symptoms appear when cervical cancer begins to grow in nearby tissues. If you have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor. It might not be cancer, but get tested.