Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix, according to the British National Health Service. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most people with this type of cancer are between 30 and 45 years old.
Regular cervical screening can determine the risk of developing the disease, even if there are no signs of cancer.
One of the main warning signs of cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding, as the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has warned that any unusual bleeding could be a sign of the condition.
Bleeding may occur before or after menopause, and it may not necessarily be related to your period. And any new vaginal discharge, or discomfort during sex, may also be caused by cervical cancer. Some patients have also reported lower back or pelvic pain.
The charity said: “Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms or the symptoms may not be apparent. Symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, changes in vaginal secretions, discomfort during sex, and pain in the lower back or pelvis.”
The foundation noted: “Although this may be alarming, remember that there are many different causes of unusual bleeding that may not be related to cervical cancer, including hormonal contraception and cervical ectropion.” She indicated that you should speak to a doctor immediately if the woman notices any unexplained changes.
As the cancer becomes more advanced or spreads to other parts of the body, women may also develop unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, severe back pain, constipation, blood in urine, and even enuresis, according to the Express website.
However, all of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions and do not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. There is no way to prevent cervical cancer, but the risks of developing some lifestyle changes can be reduced.
Smoking also increases the risk of cancer. The National Health Service in Britain said that the immune systems of smokers are struggling to get rid of HPV infection from the body.
