8 Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer involves changes within the cells of the cervix that can spread to other parts of the body. Although many women fear this type of cancer, it is one of the most preventable types and has a high cure rate when it is caught early. In the past, cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of death for women, but discoveries in the health care field such as Pap tests and vaccinations have now made it a treatable health condition.Currently, it is known that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role in generating cellular changes in the cervix that lead to cancer, and women can lower their risk of developing cervical cancer by limiting behaviors that expose them to the virus. Healthy lifestyle practices, such as abstaining from smoking, help to keep women’s immune systems strong enough to successfully fight off HPV. New vaccinations are also available that protect women against the main types of HPV that are associated with cancer.

1. Pelvic Pain

Discomfort in the pelvic region is common throughout a woman’s life, and many women suffer from pain such as cramping that is a normal part of menstruation. A woman may also feel a brief sharp pain on one side of the pelvis during ovulation that is normal. However, pelvic pain that occurs outside of the normal menstrual cycle should always be cause for concern.Pain that is associated with cervical cancer can be spread throughout the pelvic region, or some women may find that it occurs in one spot. It may be relentless, or the pain may go away for a time only to return the following day. The pain can also extend from the front of the abdomen and wrap around to the back region. Some women find that pelvic pain associated with cancer increases in severity during certain activities such as sexual intercourse or urination. This type of pain can also manifest differently depending upon the location and a woman’s sensitivity to the sensations.Next