Cervical cancer symptoms often don’t show during its early stages. These are the most common signs of the disease, and how to prevent it.
*Cervical cancer symptoms include bleeding from the vagina at any time *Bleeding after sex could also be a sign of cancer *Bone pain and weight loss may be signs of cervical cancer *Smear teat could detect cancer
Cervical cancer is a condition that develops in a woman’s cervix - the entrance to the womb.
While the cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in its early stages, there are some crucial signs of the disease. Bleeding from the vagina at any time, other than during your monthly period, could be a warning sign that somethings not quite right.
The bleeding can usually occur after having sex, a third of women have said embarrassment caused them to delay getting a smear test, does that apply to you?
Many women are embarrassed by their body shape, appearance of their vulva, and concerns over the smell of their vagina. The smear test can prevent 75 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35, but just under two-thirds weren’t aware that they were at risk.
Symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex, and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge. The best advice you can receive initially would be to please please visit your GP for advice if you experience any type of unusual vaginal bleeding. If the cancer spreads out of your cervix and into surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger a range of other symptoms.
Constipation, finding blood in the urine, bone pain, loss of appetite and weight loss could all be signs of the condition. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, and that’s why you should attend all of your cervical screening appointments.
The screening, otherwise known as a smear test, aims to spot abnormal cells on the cervix.
Women aged between 25 and 49 should be screened every three years. If you’re aged 50 to 64, it’s every five years. Like I mentioned earlier signs aren't always obvious during its early stages, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in Dec 2000 during my 2nd pregnancy. I had experienced some symptoms but I initially put it down to the pregnancy.
I wasn't due a smear for another 2 years and so you can imagine the shock on the GP's face when I told him!
Pictured above is my beautiful daughter Jordan receiving her HPV at school, standing proudly behind her is myself and local MP Katy Clark.
There’s no single way to prevent cervical cancer, but you can lower your risk by using a condom when having sex. Most cases of the cancer are linked to an infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV), and using a condom could lower the risk of infection.
You can also be vaccinated against HPV, which significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, both my daughters have had their hpv jabs and am a happier mother for it!
Smokers are also less able to get rid of the HPV infection from the body, so quitting smoking could lower your risk.
If your overdue your smear test ladies, please don't delay it any further, I know it's not the most pleasant thing to experience but far outweighs the alternative! If you have any concerns speak with your local gynae nurse, sexual health clinic or gp who will be happy to help.