Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. The main risk factor is HPV virus. This cancer targets women of all ages and the risk of cervical cancer starts after they start having intercourse. Other risk factors are unsafe sex, multiple sex partners, poor immunity, smoking, genetics, multiple pregnancies or first pregnancy at a young age.
A very bad thing is that cervical cancer does not show any symptoms in its early stadium, and unfortunately, the symptoms begin when the cancer is already spreaded to the bladder, intestines, liver or the lungs.
The unusual changes in our body should always be monitored and controlled by a doctor. However if you do find yourself in any of these ten points, perhaps it’s time to schedule a visit to the doctor.
1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
This is something that is very variable, because abnormal bleeding may be caused by inflammations, infections, hormonal imbalance, stress, and many other conditions. But, researchers also found a bound between vaginal bleeding and cervical cancer. Most of the patients with cervical cancer have experienced irregular bleeding. And if it happens to be a woman that is in a menopause, which is calculated when you spend 12 months without interruptions, then any bleeding may be a warning sign.
2. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Watch out for that discharge, because if you notice that it even smells different, you should be a bit worried. Women with cervical cancer have experienced vaginal discharge that was pale, brown, heavier, watery or mixed with blood.
3. Pain during Intercourse
Although pain during intercourse can be cause by many factors, you should not overlook it. If you have cervical cancer, besides the pain, you may experience the above mentioned unusual vaginal discharge.
4. Pelvic Pain
This pain is usual when you’re on your period, but, women with cervical cancer in advanced stages have experienced severe pain, pain that lasts longer and occurs on more frequent basis.
5. Discomfort while Urinating
Urinary discomforts may also be cause by other infections or inflammations, but, women with cervical cancer also experienced this symptom.
6. Heavier and Longer Menstrual Periods
Menstruations that last longer than usual are also another common symptom of cervical cancer. Although heavy flows may be caused by hormonal imbalance, polyps, fibroids, inflammations, or due to some medications, do not overlook this symptom.
7. Loss of Bladder Control
This symptom occurs when the cancer has already spreaded beyond a localized area, and it’s affecting the functioning of the bladder.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
Dramatic weight loss is one of the indicators to many types of cancer. When cancer appears, our defense system – the immune system – works very hard to fight it off. In that process, our body produces cytokines, small proteins that are fat burning.
9. Constant Fatigue
If you can’t get a good rest, or even when you’ve rested, you feel like you have no energy, and you feel low, you’re not in a good mood most of the time, you should be alarmed. Nevertheless, these are symptoms of many other things, so if you experience them, contact your doctor immediately.
10. Leg Pain
Leg pain occurs due to the swelling and pain, due to the obstruction of blood flow. Swollen legs often create a sore, painful sensation, making it hard to carry out your daily activities. When this pain is caused by cervical cancer, it tends to be constant and it increases its intesity over time.