REACH OUT: Addressing symptoms early prevents further complications (Image: Getty)
Medical experts emphasise that early detection remains the most powerful tool in successfully managing and treating conditions like cervical cancer. While it can be tempting to ignore minor irregularities, seeking a professional opinion early offers peace of mind and a clearer path to recovery.
If you notice changes such as a ‘foul odour’, health experts advise making an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. This warning comes because such changes can sometimes be an early indicator of underlying health issues, including cervical cancer.
Experts at the Mayo Clinic note that, while it may seem unlikely, the risk of delay is not worth it. Addressing symptoms early prevents further complications, as ignored symptoms can make the condition harder to treat.
MORE HEALTH ADVICE
Crucially, when it starts, “cervical cancer might not cause symptoms”, says the Mayo Clinic. But, as a condition grows, there are several physical indicators that you should monitor and discuss with a healthcare professional. These signs often include ‘vaginal bleeding after intercourse’, ‘between periods or after menopause’, as well as ‘menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual’.
Other symptoms to be aware of include ‘watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour’, alongside pelvic discomfort or pain during intercourse. You might also experience persistent pain in your lower back, the area between your hip bones (pelvis), or your lower tummy, reports Sophie Buchan in The Mirror.
The NHS alerts people with common conditions that, while they may get these daily, it is still worth keeping an eye on. It explains: “If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
“You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.”
You cannot get cervical cancer if you’ve had surgery to remove your womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).
What is cervical cancer?
According to the NHS: “Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix. It’s most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age.
“The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus). It’s part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
“Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. How serious it is depends on how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.”
How to reduce your riskRegular check-ups to detect changes earlyImmunisation to protect against the HPV virus that often causes cancer is key, so stay up-to-date with vaccinesPractice safe sexDon’t smokeIf you do smoke, talk to a health care professional about ways to help you quitSurgery is often the first line of defence to physically remove the cancerous tissueDrugs used to kill cancer cells may be another option. Utilising high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, also known as radiation therapy, could help tooAdditionally, integrating radiation treatment with low-dose chemotherapy can enhance effectiveness
Cervical cancer is most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age. Anyone with a cervix can get it.
You might be more likely to get cervical cancer if:
You have a weakened immune system, as if you have HIV or AIDSYou have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)Your mother took the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you – your GP can discuss these risks with youYou’ve had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the pastYou smokeTwo types of cancer
“Cervical cancer is divided into types based on the type of cell in which the cancer begins,” explains the Mayo Clinic. The main types of cervical cancer are:
Squamous cell carcinoma:Â This type of cervical cancer begins in thin, flat cells, called squamous cells. The squamous cells line the outer part of the cervix. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomasAdenocarcinoma:Â This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped gland cells that line the cervical canal
Remember and always make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. For support, visit Cancer Research UK.
READ NEXT