Every woman must know about these important signs of cervical cancer?
Do you know which cancer is the fourth most common in women?
Women in their reproductive and post reproductive years get affected by one serious health issue and that is cervical cancer. This is a major public health concern.
Lower part of the uterus is called the cervix and persistent infection with high risk types of HPV or human papilloma virus could lead to cervical cancer. It has been confirmed by WHO or World Health Organisation that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. What causes delayed diagnosis of this cancer is lack of awareness regarding the symptoms associated with cervical cancer.
Importance of early detection of cervical cancer:
In the beginning, the cervical cancer developed slowly and would not show signs. This cancer would show many distinct signs once it gets developed. Women must never ignore the signs. As per CDC and WHO understanding these symptoms is necessary and women must undergo regular screenings like HPV test and PAP smears etc.
Signs of cervical cancer are
Pelvic or lower abdomen pain:
Women get abdominal cramps during their periods or menstrual cycle. It must be noted that unexplained pelvic pain not linked to menstrual cramps might be a sign of cervical cancer.
Unusual bleeding:
Women must not ignore abnormal bleeding such as bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or post-menopause etc. This could be the most noticeable symptom of cervical cancer.
Watery or foul smelling discharge:
Infection of the presence of cancer in the cervix would be brought out by means of persistent watery discharge with strong odour or foul smell. Some women might also get discharged with blood. So, please take care.
Painful intercourse:
Cervical inflammation cervical cancer could lead to pain during intercourse or sex. It must be noted that a medical professional must evaluate the symptom.
Pain during urination:
When cancer spreads to nearby tissues, a woman could get pain, bururning sensation etc while urinating. It is believed that increased frequency of urination could be an important sign of cervical cancer.
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue:
Weight loss associated with diet change or exercises etc is normal. Some women experience weight loss plus fatigue without any diet change or exercises etc and this could be a very important sign of cervical cancer.
Back pain and leg swelling:
Bitter truth is that when cervical cancer spreads it might press against nerves and lymph nodes. This could lead to swelling in their legs and back pain etc.
Bleeding after a routine gynaecological exam:
Routine gynaecological exam or minor trauma after douching might cause bleeding if normal tissue is present in the cervix. Please be careful and take care.
Note:
Point is that when detected early, cervical cancer could be preventable, treatable and even curable.
