10 Warning Signs You May Have Cervical Cancer
Four decades ago cervical cancer was a
major death risk for women, mainly because by the time this form of
cancer enters its later stages, it has very few obvious outward
symptoms. Nowadays it can be detected early with pap smear tests and
education about warning signs, dropping the death rate of this disease
significantly. It's recommended that you learn the warning signs and
risk factors associated with cervical cancer, to help prevent this
deadly disease from winning.
Factors that increase your risk for cervical cancer
HPV - The Human Papilloma Virus is spread through skin contact and
considered a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. It can be detected
through pap smears or if warts develop. There is a vaccine against it.
Oral contraception - Some of the hormones released through this form
of birth control can create an ideal breeding ground for this cancer.
The risk increases the longer one takes the pills and doubles after 5
years of consumption.
Diet – There is a higher risk of cervical cancer for overweight
women and women whose diets lack essential nutrients.
Chlamydia – Women have been infected with chlamydia in the past or
currently infected from it reveal a higher risk for cervical cancer
infection.
Pregnancies - Little is known why women who have had 3 or more
full-term pregnancies have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer,
however, it’s something to be aware of.
Young first pregnancy – Women who have a full-term pregnancy before
the age of 17 are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer later in
life as women who had their first pregnancy after the age of 25.
HIV – The human immunodeficiency virus damages the immune system,
increasing the risk of HPV infection.
Genetics– This is more controversial, however some research presents
evidence that the risk is more probable if you have family members who
have developed the disease.
Smoking - This can double the risk. The by-products of tobacco can
damage the DNA of cervix cells, contributing the development of cancer.
Smoking can also damage the immune system, creating a weakened system
for fighting infections like HPV.
10 warning sign symptoms
Unfortunately, the early stages of cervical cancer lack both visual and
physical symptoms. In the onset stages these are the typical symptoms:
1. Leg pain - Some women experience swelling and pain in their legs.
This can even be in the early stages. What happens is that the cervix
swells, leading to an obstructed blood flow, causing the leg to swell
and a feel a painful sensation.
2. Vaginal discharge – Normally women will have small amounts of clear,
odorless discharge. If the amount increases accompanied by an unpleasant
smell and an irregular occurrence, this could signify the onset of
cervical cancer.
3. Unexplained vaginal bleeding – This is the most common of all the
symptoms. If a woman has vaginal bleeding outside of her period or if
she is postmenopausal, this can indicate cervical cancer. If one
experiences ongoing bleeding in between menstrual periods or after
sexual intercourse, contact your physician.
4. Discomfort during urination – This more obvious symptom is described
as a tight and concentrating stinging sensation when urinating, although
it can feature other discomforting sensations. It’s important to keep
track of your urinal patterns. If there are urinary symptoms, it can
mean the cancer has spread to nearby tissue and you should consult with a
physician for immediate attention.
5. Irregular urination – Changes in your urinary frequency and
appearance can indicate cervical cancer. If you notice more frequent
urination, your urine is discolored or with blood, or there are
noticeable changes to your regular routine and the development of
incontinence (loss of bladder control) you should seek medical input
from a professional.
6. Pelvic pain – Although a fairly routine burden of being a women, if
pains and cramps last for long bouts frequently, with pain more intense
than regular and outside your menstrual period, this should be looked at
by your doctor.
Source
7. Back pain – This is a common symptom that can happen for a number of
reasons, however if this is experienced along with a number of the other
symptoms on this list, you should go for a medical check-up.
8. Irregular monthly cycles – Your monthly periods should reach a
consistent level with characteristic symptoms after adolescence and if
you notice a change in the regular routine, whether in frequency or
symptoms, it’s best to contact a physician.
9. Painful intercourse – Discomfort during sex is called dyspareunia,
and this unpleasant side effect can be a sign of cervical cancer. If
it’s not cervical cancer it is still commonly linked to a disease and
should be tended to by medical professionals.
10. Weight loss & fatigue – cervical cancer can deplete the number
of healthy red blood cells because there will be a higher presence of
white blood cells fighting the disease. This results in anemia, which
leads to lower energy levels and weight loss. If you suddenly feel tired
and lose weight for no reason, it doesn't automatically means you have
cervical cancer, but if accompanied by other symptoms on this list it
could serve as a warning sign. In either scenario if you have
unexplained weight loss and fatigue, talk to your doctor.
Preventative measures
Unfortunately cervical cancer is hard to treat because too often it’s
detected too late. The good news is that cervical cancer can be
prevented with knowledge and save practices:
Pap smears – These tests are the best way to screen for the disease.
Women ages 20 to 30 should have a test every 3 years. From ages 30 to 65
every 3 to 5 years and women over 65 years don’t need screening if
they’ve had 3 tests in a row with regular results.
HPV vaccine – Medical professionals
recommend both men and women have this vaccine to prevent the disease
that leads to cervical cancer.
Don’t smoke – Even secondhand smoke can increase the risk of contracting
cervical cancer.
Protection against STDs – HPV can be deceptively asymptomatic. If you
don’t have a firm grasp of your partner’s sexual history, and haven’t
been tested together, always use protection.