Identifying these 10 symptoms of cervical cancer on time can save your life

Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti reports on the symptoms of cervical cancer:

Symptoms of cervical cancer usually don’t appear during the early stage, making it difficult to diagnose the condition. However, a simple pap smear test done on a regular basis might help in early detection and timely treatment. Want to know the signs you should watch out for? Here we go...

menstrual irregularities Menstrual irregularities: One of the common symptoms of cervical cancer is bleeding between two menstrual cycles and irregular periods. Also, if you experience heavy bleeding or your periods last longer than a normal cycle, it’s better to consult a gynaecologist.

post coital bleeding Post-sex bleeding: If you feel frequent pain during sex or bleed afterwards, it’s time to get a pap smear. Bleeding during sex is not common, unless you had sex for the first time (in which the bleeding is very minimal).

vaginal discharge Increased vaginal discharge: Although vaginal discharge is common, if you have continuous or smelly vaginal discharge or abnormal vaginal bleeding, it might indicate cervical cancer. So if you have any of these symptoms, visit your gynaecologist right away.

menopause Post menopausal bleeding: If you have hit menopause but still have vaginal bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out cervical cancer. As the symptom might occur at a later stage, it is always advisable to get a pap smear done as your cross 30 years of age.

leg swelling Leg swelling: While swelling of legs can be attributed to many health problems, a single swollen leg is a symptom of cervical cancer that is seen in more advanced stage of the disease. Hence, abnormal or frequent swelling in any one of the leg is a reason to worry.

backache Backache: Frequent backache and pelvic pain could be an early sign of cervical cancer. If you lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and yet experience backaches, you should see a doctor immediately.

bloody stools Bloody stools: It could indicate a range of diseases from piles to stomach cancer; it is always a good idea to get tested if you have bloody stools. Not a common symptom of cervical cancer, it indicates that the disease is not in its early stage.

fatigue Fatigue: The feeling of constant tiredness or dizziness could be a sign of cervical cancer due to loss of blood during your periods. So if you have been dizzy or feel fatigued most of the time,you should get tested for cervical cancer.

Weight loss: The reason why you tend to lose weight could be due to low immunity (after being infected with the HPV virus) and loss of appetite. Losing weight is a good thing, but not at the cost of your health. So get tested to rule out cancer.

abdominal pain Abdominal pain: Don’t ignore frequent or chronic abdominal pain as it is one of the advanced symptoms of cervical cancer. And since it’s difficult to understand whether you are suffering from cancer or not, getting a pap smear once in 3 years is not a bad idea.

Source: Health Site