If diagnosed with cervical cancer, women may experience unusual symptoms such as pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding..
Understanding Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer – What is it?
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. However, you can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by regularly undergoing Pap tests. Cervical cancer can be cured if detected early. Nowadays, there are many different methods to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, which is why the number of cervical cancer cases is gradually declining worldwide.
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors.
The most frightening aspect is that cervical cancer may not show any clear symptoms in its early stages. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,340 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Sadly, around 4,000 women die from this disease because they fail to recognize early symptoms and seek timely treatment.
Women of all ages are at risk for cervical cancer once they become sexually active. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of malignant cell growth in cervical tissues. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women globally. Although it can be fatal, it is also preventable and treatable if detected early.
A Pap smear test (cervical cell test) is the best way to determine if you are at risk for this type of cancer. Additionally, if you experience symptoms such as those listed below, you should pay close attention as they may be early warning signs of cervical cancer.
Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer
1. Back Pain
Pain in the pelvic area or back, especially in the lower back, can also be a warning sign of cervical cancer. You should be more vigilant if you notice the pain radiating down your legs and possibly causing swelling.
Cervical cancer often causes back pain and lower abdominal pain…
2. Pelvic Pain
Many women experience cramps during their monthly menstrual cycle. However, you should be particularly cautious if you experience pain in the pelvic region or cramps on non-menstrual days, as these may be symptoms of cervical cancer.
3. Abnormal Bleeding
One of the most common warning signs of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding (bleeding outside of your menstrual cycle). The amount of bleeding can vary among women; some may experience heavy bleeding while others may have only light bleeding. The common factor is that the cause of the bleeding is unclear. If you also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, be vigilant and get checked to determine if it is caused by cervical cancer.
4. Urinary Abnormalities
Any changes in urinary habits, such as leaking urine when sneezing or exercising, blood in the urine, or pain during urination, can be signs of cervical cancer. In this case, if cervical cancer is indeed the cause, it indicates that cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
5. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or slightly white, odorless, and typically occurs around ovulation. If you notice increased vaginal discharge, unusual colors (yellow, green like pus, or mixed with blood), or unpleasant odors, this could be a sign of cervical cancer.
However, other cancers in the “intimate area”, such as ovarian cancer or salpingitis, can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Therefore, women should seek gynecological examinations to accurately determine the cause.
When the cervix is stimulated by cervical cancer, it affects the development and ovulation process.
6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
When the cervix is stimulated by cervical cancer, it affects the development and ovulation process. Hormonal balance is also disrupted. As a result, your menstrual cycles may not be as regular as before. You may experience delayed periods, prolonged menstruation, or dark-colored menstrual blood… Therefore, do not overlook this unusual sign.
7. Pain or Bleeding After Intercourse
Even women without issues in the cervix may notice bleeding after sexual intercourse. However, if pain and bleeding after sex occur more frequently, it could indicate an underlying health issue in the reproductive organs, such as cervical cancer. You should seek medical evaluation promptly if you notice this symptom.
8. Anemia
Anemia can occur with cervical cancer due to a decrease in healthy red blood cells, which are replaced by white blood cells to fight the disease. Anemia often causes fatigue and low energy, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite.
9. Fatigue
Cervical cancer can lead to a general state of weakness, making you feel tired, sluggish, and uncomfortable in your body.
10. Swelling and Pain in the Legs
As the cancerous tumor grows larger and spreads, it can compress nerves and obstruct blood flow to the limbs, causing swelling and pain in the legs. This pain tends to be persistent and worsen over time.
However, very few people consider this a warning sign of cervical cancer, making it difficult to diagnose and detect in a timely manner.
11. Unexplained Weight Loss
Although not specific, weight loss is one of the signs of cervical cancer that patients may encounter early on. The cause may relate locally to abnormalities in the digestive tract or systemic disorders caused by the cancer.
If you experience sudden weight loss over a short period or a loss of more than 10% of your body weight without reason, you should proactively visit a healthcare facility for assessment and health checks.
Additionally, cervical cancer can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, replacing them with white blood cells in an attempt to fight the disease. This leads to anemia, weakened immunity, and causes you to feel fatigued, lacking energy, and unwell despite resting, adjusting your diet, and lifestyle.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is classified into two types. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the thin, flat cells lining the outside of the cervix, extending into the vagina. Most patients diagnosed with cervical cancer have this type. The second type is adenocarcinoma, which originates from column-shaped glandular cells within the cervical canal.
According to Johns Hopkins University, the following groups of people are at higher risk for cervical cancer:
Early Sexual Activity: Engaging in sexual activity before the age of 18, having unhealthy sexual practices, and multiple sexual partners.
HPV Infection: HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. HPV infection is often caused by unprotected sexual intercourse. However, not every woman infected with this virus is at risk of developing cervical cancer. In fact, 90% of patients will clear the infection on their own within two years.
Lack of Regular PAP Testing: Johns Hopkins University statistics indicate that cervical cancer is more common among women who do not undergo regular PAP testing. This test helps doctors identify abnormal cells in the genital area. If abnormalities are detected, patients can be treated early to prevent cancer development.
HIV Infection or Other Conditions Weakening the Immune System: HIV is the cause of AIDS. If a patient is infected with the HIV virus, their immune system is compromised, increasing their risk of various diseases, including cancer.
Most cervical cancer patients have a history of HPV infection. (Image: HCDC).
Obesity and Smoking: Women who smoke have nearly double the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to non-smokers. Additionally, those who are overweight and consume fewer fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of the disease.
Family History of Cervical Cancer: To date, scientists have not definitively established the hereditary nature of cervical cancer. However, results from numerous studies suggest that women whose mothers or sisters have a history of this disease are 2-3 times more likely to develop cervical cancer themselves.
Chlamydia Infection: This sexually transmitted infection can cause ulcers and inflammation. Some studies have indicated that many cervical cancer patients test positive for chlamydia in blood tests.
Use of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Medication: This medication, which was used to prevent miscarriage, was prescribed to many women from 1940 to 1971. Women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy may have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The risk increases for those whose mothers used the drug during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of DES in pregnant women in 1971.
