Your Body Is Talking: Know the Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Women have a million things on their minds daily. Running errands, grocery shopping, work projects and those pesky thoughts like, “Did I forget to lock the front door?” With this constant stream of responsibilities and worries, many women place their health at the very bottom of a long list of to-dos. However, ignoring health concerns such as abnormal bleeding or abnormal Pap results can delay early diagnosis of serious conditions, including cervical cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, and about 4,000 women die of it each year. Cervical cancer can affect women of any age, but the American Cancer Society reports that the highest rates of diagnosis occur between ages 35 and 64.

Early stages of cervical cancer don’t usually have symptoms. The first signs of cancer may take time to show. Stage I cervical cancer symptoms can develop gradually and may seem easy to dismiss in the moment; however, some symptoms are warning signs that something may not be right. Below are five common signs to watch for.

Abnormal Bleeding

Unexplained bleeding can appear in several ways. The most common include bleeding or spotting between periods or after sex, periods that become heavier or longer than usual or bleeding after menopause.

Pelvic Pain

Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort that does not improve may be an early sign of cervical cancer. This pain may feel like a dull ache or a sharp sensation in the pelvis and may occur during sex. Cervical cancer can also cause pain during urination or lower back pain. Any ongoing or unusual pain should be discussed with your doctor.

Changes in Discharge

Changes in the color, smell or consistency of vaginal discharge may indicate the need for medical evaluation, especially if symptoms persist. This may include watery, foul-smelling or blood-tinged discharge.

Bowel or Bladder Changes

Some women with cervical cancer experience bowel or bladder changes, such as painful bowel movements or rectal bleeding, caused by pressure on the cervix. Constipation or bloating may also occur.

Abnormal Exam or Pap Result

Abnormal findings during a pelvic exam may include unusual growths, a cervix that bleeds easily when touched, swelling or changes in color. Abnormal findings on a Pap smear mean that some cervical cells look unusual.

It is important to note that not all abnormal Pap smear results indicate cervical cancer. Some can be due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), infection or inflammation.

If you receive abnormal results on your regular Pap or pelvic exam, prompt follow-up is needed. Despite this, the NIH reports that, on average, 24% of women with abnormal results do not receive any follow-up.

Ways to Protect Yourself

HPV vaccination, routine screenings such as Pap smears and HPV tests, and regular pelvic screenings can help detect changes early. Avoiding smoking and using condoms can also help reduce your risk. Talk with your health care provider about the prevention options that are right for you.

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If you notice symptoms such as unexplained bleeding, changes in discharge, pelvic pain, bowel or bladder changes, or receive an abnormal screening result, take note of when symptoms begin and how they progress. Sharing this information with your provider can help guide next steps and ensure timely care.

The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. When detected early, the five-year survival rate is 91 percent, according to the National Institutes of Health. Routine screenings, HPV vaccination and follow-up care play a critical role in early detection.