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Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Cervical cancer is the cancer of any part of the cervix. Cervix is the part of the female reproductive system that connects the vagina to the uterus. Cervical cancer is one of the main causes of cancer related deaths in women. According to a data in 2012, in India every year around 122844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and around 67477 out of them die from this disease. Cervical cancer grows very slowly, so it is very hard to see the early signs of cervical cancer. The most effective way to suspect or diagnose the changes is a cervical cancer screening test.
There are certain signs of cervical cancer that can tell that there are abnormal cell changes happening into the cervix during the later stages of cervical cancer.
During cervical cancer the healthy cells of the cervix undergo a certain kind of mutation, due to which the DNA of these cells get abnormally modified. The normal healthy cells of the cervix grow, multiply and die at a normal rate but these mutated cells undergo rapid and uncontrolled cell division, creating a mass of abnormal cells accumulated together. These might also break off and spread to other parts of the body.
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The signs of cervical cancer include:
- Bleeding from the vagina between the periods
- Pain during sex
- foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Heavier or longer menstrual bleeding than usual
- Pelvic pain
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding during intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Unexplained back pain
When we are talking about the early signs of cervical cancer it becomes crucial to talk about the preventive measures.
HPV Vaccination: Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. HPV or human papillomavirus is the biggest cause of cervical cancer. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain types of the Human papillomavirus .
Cervical cancer screening tests: Also going to regular cervical cancer screening tests can help in early detection of cervical cancer and can reduce the mortality caused by this disease.
Practice safe sex: Use dental dams and condoms
When to see a doctor
If you see any abnormal signs or symptoms, you must visit a doctor for the right diagnosis and further treatment. Even if you find a few symptoms that might not appear severe, it’s important to consult a doctor because the earlier the diagnosis the better the treatment will be.