Cervical cancer symptoms: Four signs of cervical cancer you might be ignoring
Lisa Maffia discusses her 'cervical cancer' diagnosis
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Cervical cancer is often symptomless, which is why it is so important to attend regular cervical screenings so your doctor can check for any pre-cancerous cells. However there are some symptoms of cervical cancer you should never ignore: these are the most common cervical cancer symptoms.
Every year, more than 3,000 Britons are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
This cancer is found in the cervix, between the womb and vagina.
According to the NHS, nearly all types of cervical cancer are originally caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Cervical cancer can be caught early by regular cervical screenings, also known as smear tests, which seek to detect any abnormal or possibly cancerous cells.
These cells can then be treated before they become cancerous.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
The NHS said the main four symptoms of cervical cancer are:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding– including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- Changes to your vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
Many of these symptoms could be down to a number of less serious reasons, but it’s very important to get checked.
For people with irregular periods as a result of conditions like Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, they may experience symptoms like pain and unusual bleeding often.
It’s important to assess whether those symptoms are becoming more severe, or seem unusual compared to what you’re used to.
The NHS said: “it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.”
What happens at a cervical cancer appointment?
If you have any of the possible symptoms of cervical cancer, you must make an appointment with your GP.
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It might feel strange talking to a doctor about intimate topics, but it’s important you do so the doctor can make an assessment.
The doctor will likely ask you about your medical history, your sexual history and check whether you could be pregnant.
There will then be a physical examination where the doctor will check the outside of your vagina (the vulva) and use a speculum to look at your cervix.
If it would make you more comfortable, you can request a female doctor to perform this examination.
You are also allowed to bring a friend, family member or even another staff member from the practice into the room if it would help you to feel comfortable.
Many people can be nervous about cervical examinations, however if you are able to explain some of your hesitations to your GP practice they should help you to make adjustments so you can have your cervical exam.
Charities like Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are able to offer support and answer any questions you have about cervical cancer screenings.
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