The latest reports have shown that cervical cancer belongs to the group of most lethal types of cancer. However, there is no room for panicking because healthcare experts and specialists say that cervical cancer is also one of the cancers that can be cured easily, but only if it discovered early.
People must be aware of the fact that cervical cancer usually occurs as a result of the presence of human papillomavirus or HPV, a virus that is very contagious. Namely, this is an STI that has different forms and only a few of them lead to cervical cancer.
Specialists say that HPV infection sometimes heals itself, but in case the immune system is not working properly, it can lead to unusual cell growth that can result in cervical cancer.
In case you notice some of the signs associated with cervical cancer, it is crucial to consult your gynecologist right away.
The following is a list of seven typical signs of cervical cancer:
1. Genital Warts
If you notice the emergence of relatively small genital warts beneath or above the skin, you should know that this may be a sign of few different diseases like HPV which leads to cervical cancer in women.
2. Atypical Discharge
Atypical discharge is another early sign of cervical cancer. In case cancer starts to develop inside the cervix, the uterine wall or the cell found on it to be the more precise starts to purge and that’s why there is an atypical discharge from this area.
3. Bleeding or Pain
Bleeding and pain are two other common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. The reason is simple – cervical cancer develops of the cervix’s walls and over some period of time, these walls are becoming drier and even experience cracking and damage which ultimately results in bleeding and pain.
It is not unusual to experience bladder or rectal bleeding too. So, in case you find bleeding that is not part of the menstrual period, you must seek advice from your doctor right away.
4. Anemia
Excessive bleeding is the most common cause of anemia. In case you experience chronic fatigue and there are no changes in your diet or in case your heart rate increase even after typical daily activities, there is a chance that you are suffering from anemia. As previously mentioned, anemia is often the result of excessive bleeding which is also one of the things that occur with cervical cancer.
5. Urinary Issues
When the cervix swells, the kidneys and bladder will experience increased pressure which will eventually block the movement of urine. The final result is an inability to remove the urine from the bladder at least not entirely. Soon after that, you can expect severe pain and/or a UTI – urinary tract infection.
6. Constant Pain Elt in The Back, Hips, and/or Legs
As already mentioned, a swollen cervix has an impact on the bladder, kidneys, and few other organs. There is a great chance that the blood vessels will be pressured too and the blood flow will be disrupted which means the legs and pelvis won’t get a sufficient amount of blood and people will experience swelling and pain in these areas.
7. Rapid Weight Loss
Every type of cancer affects the appetite in a negative way and cervical cancer is not an exception. Swelling in this area can put extra pressure on the stomach which usually leads to suppressed appetite and sudden weight loss.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms this doesn’t mean that you have cervical cancer. That’s why it is the best idea to consult a doctor right away. They will perform some tests and you will know for sure whether you are healthy or not.
In addition, you should know that there are certain risk factors that contribute to the emergence of HPV, so you must do everything in your power to lower those risks.
The following is a list of the most common risk factors that lead to cervical cancer:
- Having multiple intimate partners in a short period of time
- Being an act of passive smoker
- Having intercourse without any protection
- Weakened immune system.
Due to the fact that an STI is one of the main reasons why people are developing cervical cancer, it is always a good idea to learn more about the symptoms and early signs of HPV.
In addition, taking preventive examinations like a simple pap smear will help you identify the presence of cervical cancer in its early stage. Perform these examinations once a year.
Via Cancer