7 Signs of Cervical Cancer you need to Observe
Cervical cancer being one of the most common cancers for woman, can be lethal if not found early and treated correctly.
Women of now are faced with lots of infections and needs more attention and care about everything concerning them. cervical or cervix cancer being one of this can be deadly. While statistics shoes that this cancer is frightening, cervical cancer can be prevented, and treated only if caught early.
Cervical cancer, most commonly caused by HPV or the human papillomavirus, is highly contagious. This is virus is also an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and could comes in many types but only some cause cervical cancer. An HPV infection might go away on its own or could cause abnormal cell growth that may lead to cervical cancer.
Below are the the signs for cervical cancer which may not be as obvious or apparent as breast cancer but there are ways to observe the signs. Contact a gynecologist immediately if noticed:
1. Urinary problems
The bladder and kidneys may be compressed as the cervix swells, causing an obstruction in the passage of urine. As a result this, you may not be able to completely empty your bladder, causing pain and/or a urinary tract infection.
2. Warts
According to Rosa Maria Leme a gynecologist, “The appearance of small warts (externally or internally) serve as a red flag…diseases such as HPV, which can greatly increases the chances of cervical cancer in women.”
3. Unusual discharge
The cells of the uterine wall begin to rid, which produces a watery discharge, When the cancer begins to grow inside the cervix.
4. Weight loss
Decrease or even suppress appetite are the symptoms of most forms of cancers. The swelling of the cervix can compress the stomach, which will now result in decreased appetite and weight loss.
5. Continuous pain in the legs, hips or back
The swelling cervix compresses internal organs too. Blood vessels may also be compressed, making it difficult for blood to reach the pelvis and legs, causing pain and swelling in the legs and ankles.
6. Anemia
when there is no change in your eating habits and still feel fatigued, or if your heart speeds up after normal exertion, you may having symptoms of anemia. Anemia which can be caused by abnormal bleeding, and often accompanied cervical cancer.
7. Pain or bleeding
Cervical cancer is known to grow on the walls of the cervix which can dry out and even crack, causing discomfort and bleeding. There may also be rectal or bladder bleeding. Any bleeding outside your menstrual period should be investigated.
Also note that these symptoms do not necessarily signify cervical cancer. Only a specialist/doctor can make a diagnosis. There are risk factors for developing HPV, and can be contracted by both men and women.
Best-known risk factors that could more likly attract cervical cancer are
Having unprotected sex
Having multiple sexual partners
Smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke
Having low immunity
Because an STI is the most common cause of cervical cancer, it is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms of HPV. Additionally, preventative exams like a pap smear can help detect cervical cancer early on. Those preventive exams (like a pap smear) should be yearly.