Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
The symptoms of cervical
cancer are not always obvious, and it may not cause any symptoms at all until
it has reached an advanced stage. This is why it is very important that you attend all
of your cervical screening appointments.
Unusual
bleeding
In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first
noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex. Bleeding at any other time, other than your
expected monthly period, is also considered unusual. This
includes bleeding after the menopause (when a woman's monthly
periods stop). You must visit your doctor/ GP for advice if you experience any type
of unusual vaginal bleeding.
Other
symptoms
Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain
and discomfort during sex and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.
Advanced
cervical cancer
If the cancer spreads out of your cervix and into
surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger a range of other symptoms,
including:
- constipation
- blood in your urine (haematuria)
- loss
of bladder control (urinary incontinence)
- bone
pain
- swelling
of one of your legs
- severe
pain in your side or back caused by swelling in your kidneys, related to
a condition called hydronephrosis
- changes
to your bladder and bowel habits
- loss
of appetite
- weight
loss
- tiredness
and a lack of energy.
When to
seek medical advice
You should contact your doctor/ GP if you experience:
- bleeding
after sex (postcoital bleeding)
- bleeding
outside of your normal periods
- new bleeding after the menopause.
Vaginal bleeding is very common and can have a wide
range of causes, so it doesn't necessarily mean you have cervical cancer.
However, unusual vaginal bleeding is a symptom that needs to be investigated by
your doctor/ GP.
Source: NHS Choices