Early signs of cervical cancer you should never ignore

Cervical cancer is a major health concern for women in our country. In 2020, 123907 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in India. And it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is the second most common cancer in women in India despite it being the most preventable cancer. In this cervical cancer awareness month, let’s understand about this disease so we can prevent it.

Dr. Sampada Dessai, Gynaecologic Oncologist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mumbai says “Cervical cancer is slow-growing cancer in women. This cancer also has something called a precancerous stage which is a stage prior to cancer. It takes years for it to progress from the precancerous stage to cancer. This gives doctors ample opportunities to detect it in the precancerous stage or early stage. If detected in a precancerous stage this cancer can be prevented from occurring. Screening tests are available to detect this cancer in either precancerous or early stages. This is because the symptoms of the early stage are either not there, or may be completely asymptomatic or the symptoms are nonspecific.”

Nonspecific symptoms mean that the symptom may occur because of many other things. But it is necessary that one gets checked for this symptom to rule out cervical cancer. The chances are high that it is nothing serious.

The symptoms women should be aware of and pay attention to are:

1. Abnormal vaginal discharge: The discharge may be cloudy, foul smell and foul-smelling but be watery. An increase in the amount of regular vaginal discharge also needs attention.
2. Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This may be in the form of heavier or longer than usual menstrual period. Bleeding or even spotting after intercourse is one of the early signs of cervical cancer and should never be neglected. Sometimes the bleeding may be in between the menstrual periods. In older ladies, it might present as post-menopausal bleeding. Any abnormal bleeding in whatever amount should be taken seriously and one should report it to their doctor.
3. Fatigue: This may be one of the symptoms of cervical cancer but is a very nonspecific symptom

As the disease advances other signs and symptoms may appear this including:

Pain during sex: “Pain during intercourse is one more important symptom of cervical cancer. Also, leg pain or low back pain can be the symptom, and these are usually seen in the later stages of cervical cancer,” says Dr. Dessai.

Cervical cancer, like many other malignancies, can result in an appetite loss. In addition, losing weight could be a difficulty no matter how much food is eaten. If you suddenly lose weight despite adequate intake and have some of the other symptoms mentioned above, it could be due to cervical cancer. It’s important that you get a medical check-up.

Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by infection with cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is sexually transmitted. Vaccines are now available that may decrease the chance of having persistent HPV infection. Further screening tests - like pap test or HPV DNA test help in early recognition of infection with this virus and changes in the cell that occur because of HPV infection.