JAKARTA – The cervix or cervix is the part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina. Its function is to produce mucus which helps transport sperm from the vagina to the uterus during sexual intercourse. The cervix also functions to protect the uterus from bacteria and foreign objects from outside.
Quoted from alodokter.com, cells in the cervix or cervix have the potential to develop cancer. Cervical cancer generally develops slowly and only shows symptoms when it has entered an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important to detect cervical cancer early before serious complications arise.
Quoted from Kompas.com, many people with cervical cancer are not aware of the appearance of the early symptoms of cervical cancer that they are suffering from. This is because some of the characteristics of cervical cancer in its early stages are atypical and similar to female problems, such as vaginal discharge and menstrual problems.
Stage 1 or early cervical cancer indicates a condition where a malignant tumor has just developed in the cervix or cervix.
According to the Ministry of Health, the part of a woman’s body that is attacked by cervical cancer is precisely around the lowest part of the cervix and protrudes to the top of the hole for intercourse.
Quoted from Kompas.com, which launched from the National Cancer Institute, at this early stage, the size of the cancer is also not too big or still less than four centimeters.
To increase awareness of non-communicable diseases that can harm these women, identify some of the early signs of cervical cancer below.
1. Irregular menstruation
Reporting from CancerCentre, women of childbearing age need to be vigilant if their menstrual cycles are irregular, menstruation becomes longer, menstruation is more frequent than usual or several times a month, and spots occur outside of the menstrual schedule. The reason is, sometimes bleeding, the characteristics of cervical cancer are similar to bleeding. normal menstruation.
If a woman experiences any unusual changes in her menstrual cycle or pattern, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
2. Bleeding after menopause
For women who have menopause, be aware of bleeding from the vagina like menstruation after a few months or years the body naturally stops having menstruation.
This condition can also be a sign of menopause. As mentioned above, one of the symptoms of cervical cancer is characterized by unusual bleeding from the vagina.
3. Hip pain
Symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer sometimes also cause hip pain for no apparent reason. Women can feel pain like being pressed or stabbed by a sharp object in the lower abdomen, to be precise in the area below the navel.
Sometimes, this hip pain can also radiate to the lower back if the pain is severe enough.
4. Abnormal vaginal discharge
Leucorrhoea can also be one of the characteristics of cervical cancer. Leucorrhoea is normally clear or whitish like milk or slightly yellowish. In addition, the color is distinctive but not overpowering.
However, women need to be vigilant if vaginal discharge is accompanied by discoloration such as greenish or grayish or reddish and has an unpleasant or pungent odor.
5. Pain during intercourse
Another early symptom of cervical cancer is pain during sex or intercourse, even though it usually doesn’t hurt. Sometimes, this pain is also accompanied by bleeding.
If a woman feels the signs of cervical cancer above, it is better to immediately consult a doctor. The sooner this disease is detected, the higher the success rate of cervical cancer treatment. ***
