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Cervical Cancer: Signs & Symptoms
Your cervix is the lowest part of your uterus. It connects your uterus to your vagina. Cervical cancer is when cells in your cervix grow out of control.
Cervical cancer is an overgrowth of cells in your cervix, which is the opening between your vagina and uterus. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. However, the most common cause is long-term infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
When cervical cancer is diagnosed early, it's very treatable.
In the early stages, cervical precancers or cancers generally cause no pain or other symptoms. That's why it's vital for people with a cervix to get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests to detect cancer in its early stages when it's still highly treatable. The early stages of cervical cancer are stages I and II.
Stage I cancer is when the cancer is still in your cervix. Stage II cancer is when it has spread from your cervix to the upper part of your vagina but it hasn't spread to the tissue around the uterus.
The first identifiable symptoms of cervical cancer are likely to include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding. This could be bleeding between your menstrual periods or after menopause . Also, your periods may be heavier and last longer than normal.
Pain during sex. Bleeding during or after sex can be a sign of cervical cancer, especially if it's not normal for you or it has started suddenly.
Unusual vaginal discharge or odor. Vaginal discharge that doesn't stop or discharge that may be watery, pale, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling.
Pelvic pain. Pain in your lower back, pelvis, or lower belly can also be early signs of cervical cancer.
Advanced-stage cervical cancer generally includes stages III and IV. Stage III is when the cancer has spread to the lower part of your vagina and possibly to your pelvic wall, lymph nodes, or kidneys. Stage IV is when the cancer has spread beyond your pelvis, or to the lining of your bladder or rectum, or other parts of your body.
If cervical cancer has spread to other areas of your body, your symptoms may include:
Difficulty urinating. Cervical cancer can block your kidneys. This makes it hard to pee or make it uncomfortable when you pee. You may also feel an urgency to pee but then not be able to.
Blood in urine. It can be another sign of advanced cervical cancer.
Back pain. Having a dull backache can also be a sign of advanced cervical cancer.
Gastrointestinal symptoms. You may have pain in your belly, or pain and bleeding from your rectum when you poop.
Fatigue. Feeling tired is often a sign of advanced cancer, including cervical cancer.
Many of these symptoms may be caused by a condition other than cervical cancer, such as fibroids or endometriosis. However, see your doctor to get checked out if you have any of these symptoms:
Your cervix is the lowest part of your uterus that connects to your vagina. You get cervical cancer when cells in your cervix grow out of control. Long-term infection with certain strains of HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer. You may or may not have symptoms with early cervical cancer, so you should go for your regular cancer screenings. If you have signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, trouble peeing or pooping, and fatigue, go get checked out by your doctor.
How long can you have cervical cancer without knowing?
It's difficult to put a precise timeline on it; however, cervical cancer is a very slow-growing cancer. It can take years, perhaps as long as 10-20 years, to develop into cancer.
Can cervical cancer be cured?
Yes, most cervical cancers can be cured, especially if you catch it in an early stage. About half of all cervical cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. People with cervical cancer can usually be cured with a radical hysterectomy, which is when a surgeon removes your uterus, cervix, a portion of the upper part of your vagina, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues.
How do you find out if you have cervical cancer?
Most people find out they have cervical cancer after an abnormal Pap smear, which is a test during which your doctor collects cells from your cervix and looks at them under a microscope. After an abnormal Pap smear, you will generally have other tests to confirm it.
5 Reasons To Get The HPV Vaccine For You & Your Daughters Now!
There's been a lot of talk on cervical cancer recently, and a lot of awareness is being created around it. For those who don't already know, cervical cancer affects women and is a cancer of the cervix, which is the mouth of the uterus. It is caused by a virus known as HPV or human papilloma virus. The good news is that there are vaccines available that can protect from this virus and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
We spoke to an expert in this field, Dr Priya Ganeshkumar, Preventive Oncologist, Colposcopist, and Medical Director of Sainiwas Health Care to understand the urgency and importance of taking the vaccine and why us women shouldn't delay taking it. Dr Priya is also the Chairperson of the Gynaecologic Oncology Committee, FOGSI as well as the Executive Member from India in AOFOG Cervical Cancer Elimination Program for 2023-2024. She gives us the following reasons to act NOW –
1. HPV is a very common virus – The HPV virus is a very commonly contracted virus. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact in both men and women. Select strains of this virus can lead to cancers such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Dr Priya says, "In fact, at least 50% women in the reproductive age group have HPV infection on their genitalia in their lifetime."
2. HPV is a silent invader – Most times, the HPV infection does not show symptoms. However, in some cases, they may take the form of genital warts or abnormal cervical smears. If the HPV infection persists in the body over a longer time, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. "These changes are little atypical or dysplastic cells and are considered as pre- cancerous cells. It is important to note that these pre-cancerous cells are not cancer themselves but have the potential to develop into cancer. They are very symptomless. And unlike regular viral infection, there won't be a fever or anything. There won't be any white discharge either. So many times, people will not even know about it, unless regular screening is done," shares Dr Priya. In many women, this infection clears on its own but if it persists it can develop into cancer. This is where the HPV vaccine can protect against this silent disease.
3. Prevention is better than cure – The old adage 'Prevention is better than cure' holds true when it comes to this virus. Just like other vaccinations like, the polio vaccine, BCG vaccine, etc. Which we take to prevent diseases, the HPV vaccine should be on your list of vaccinations for you and your daughters. "You don't want your child to suffer with cervical cancer and then with all those treatments – radiation, chemotherapy, surgery – which could
have been easily prevented by simply giving two shots," points out Dr Priya. "Investing on the vaccine is a small sum, that we anyway spend recklessly and lavishly on so many other things. Instead, take that amount and give your daughters the gift of HPV vaccination," she urges. And once the doses have been taken, you have given your child a lifelong cover against cervical cancer and in case one misses to take the vaccine at 15, it's not too late. Since HPV infection peaks at one of the most productive period of a woman's life between 15 and 25 years, more than 90% of women in the reproductive phase may still benefit from HPV vaccination.
4. The earlier the better – So when should the HPV vaccine be taken? Dr Priya says ideally, the window for taking the vaccination is between the ages 9-14, who are given two doses a few months apart. If you've missed this window, from ages 15 till 45 years, three doses are given a few months apart, for increased protection. "For those in the age group of 27 right until 45, the vaccination can still be taken, especially a woman in postpartum phase may be
vaccinated as she more vulnerable to catch HPV infection because of multiple attributes like thinning of cervical lining, hormonal imbalance, multiple vaginal deliveries etc," says Dr Priya.
5. It is easy, mostly pain-free and has no side effects – Just like any other vaccination, this is given in the upper arm in the deltoid muscle. It's like taking any other injection on the upper arm and is just a small injection prick. "We normally make the girl sit down, let her relax and we then give the shot, post which we sometimes make her wait a few minutes so she's comfortable. There are no adverse effects as such whatsoever and I haven't seen anyadverse reactions in my 30 years of practice," concludes Dr Priya.
There you have it, straight from the expert. We urge you to speak to your gynaecologist and get more information on the HPV vaccine for yourself and your daughters today!
Issued in public interest in partnership with MSD Pharma. This information is for awareness only. Please consult your doctor for more information.
6 Early Signs Of Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer, though rare, is a serious condition that affects the thin, muscular tube extending from the uterus to the vulva. In its bi-annual report, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that more women than males are receiving cancer diagnoses in the country. The disease is expected to affect 1.57 million people in 2025, up from 1.46 million this year, frightening the country's healthcare system. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. Recognising the early signs of vaginal cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment.Here are 6 early signs you should be aware of:Abnormal vaginal bleeding One of the early signs of vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This could include bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sex. Any unexplained bleeding should be immediately checked by a doctor. While vaginal bleeding can sometimes be due to other reasons, it's essential to rule out vaginal cancer.
Unusual vaginal discharge
Image: Canva
Another early sign of vaginal cancer is unusual vaginal discharge. This discharge may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling. While some vaginal discharge is normal, any sudden change in colour, consistency, or odour should be discussed with a healthcare provider.Pain during intercourse Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse can be an early indication of vaginal cancer. This pain may be felt as a deep ache or sharp discomfort during penetration. While there are many causes of pain during sex, persistent pain should be evaluated promptly.
Presence of a lump or mass
Feeling a lump or mass in the vagina is another early sign of vaginal cancer. This lump may feel hard or thickened and is usually painless. If you notice any unusual changes in the tissue of your vagina, it's important to get it checked by a doctor.
Increased frequency of urination An increase in the frequency of urination without any apparent cause can sometimes be an early sign of vaginal cancer. If you find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's essential to discuss this with a doctor.
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Progressive symptoms As vaginal cancer progresses, more severe symptoms may develop. These can include pain with urination, blood in the urine or stool, constipation, back pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and leg swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention quickly.
Who is at risk? Vaginal cancer is more common in people over the age of 60, with about 50% of those diagnosed being over 70 years old and 20% over 80 years old. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for vaginal cancer. It's recommended that all female individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 undergo regular screenings, including Pap tests and HPV screening.
Prevention and early detection Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of vaginal cancer. Regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV screenings, can help detect precancerous changes in the cells of the vagina before they develop into cancer. Being aware of the early signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer can help with early medical evaluation and treatment.
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