According to the New York Times, cervical cancer is the world's third most common form of cancer in women. The Mayo Clinic states that cervical cancer is more common in women over the age of 30. In most cases, this type of cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), contracted by having sex with an affected person. There are symptoms you can look out for in order to prevent more serious repercussions of cervical cancer.
Early Stages
Unfortunately, there are rarely any detectable symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer, or when you are first infected with HPV. The only way you can tell if you have cervical cancer is by getting Pap tests on a regular basis.
Unusual Bleeding
Symptoms of cervical cancer show up once it has spread to nearby tissues. The most common symptom is unusual bleeding. Bleeding during sex, between periods or after menopause, can be signs of cervical cancer. Bleeding from the bladder and rectum are also symptoms of cervical cancer. This unusual, excessive bleeding can cause anemia.
Vaginal Discharge
Cervical cancer may create a watery vaginal discharge that has a foul smell. The discharge is usually red, pink or brown in color. Typically women who have cervical cancer experience this type of discharge continuously, even between periods.
Advanced Stages
You may experience vaginal discharge or unusual bleeding during the advanced stages of cervical cancer, but there are other symptoms to watch for as well. These include bone fractures, excessive fatigue, leakage of feces and urine, loss of appetite, swelling in one leg, rapid weight loss and pain in your back, legs and pelvis.
Prevention/Solution
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Also, get your annual Pap smear tests. According to the Mayo Clinic, the ability of Pap tests to detect cervical abnormalities has greatly reduced the death rate from cervical cancer during the latter half of the 20th century and the first part of the 21st century. However, an abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. Additional tests will need to be administered to determine whether your Pap test and symptoms are a result of cervical cancer. There is also an HPV vaccination available that can be administered to women before they reach their mid-20s.
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