Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Although cervical cancer used to be the leading cancer death for American women, it is now considered the easiest female cancer to prevent. This is due to more advanced screening methods and regular testing for HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Still, knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer can lead to early detection and quicker treatment.

Click through the slideshow to learn more about cervical cancer.

What is Cervical Cancer?

The cervix is the narrow lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Estimates show that about six million Americans have the virus, but most never experience any signs or side effects because their immune system clears the virus. However, certain strains of the virus can infect cells and cause problems, such as genital warts or cancer. 

HPV & Cervical Cancer

As HPV is the precursor to cervical cancer, it is especially important to know its symptoms. Because HPV is a virus, it can be transmitted to another person even if the host shows no physical symptoms. And not all strains of the virus produce visible symptoms. Certain strains—6 and 11—form tiny, nipple-like bumps around the genitals that can form in clusters that resemble cauliflower. The bumps are normally itchy, but larger growths may have a discharge or bleed during sex.

No Early Warning Signs

Like other cancers, cervical cancer rarely shows signs in its early stages. Symptoms typically only become apparent when the cancer cells grow through the top layer of cervical tissue into the tissue below it. This is known as invasive cervical cancer.

Still, there are warning signs that women sometimes mistake as menstrual problems. The most common sign of cervical cancer is explained on the next slide. 

Irregular Bleeding

Irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer. The bleeding may occur between menstrual periods or after sex. Sometimes, it shows as slight blood-streaked vaginal discharge, which often gets dismissed as regular spotting. Also, menstrual bleeding may beheavier and last longer.

Vaginal bleeding can also occur in postmenopausal women who no longer have menstrual periods. This is a major warning sign of cervical cancer or other problems and warrants a trip to the physician.

Vaginal Discharge

Along with bleeding, other types of vaginal discharge are common early symptoms of cervical cancer. It is often continuous because of the nature of the infection. The discharge may have the following characteristics:

• pale
• watery
• brown
• foul-smelling
• tinged with blood

Advanced Symptoms

While bleeding and discharge may be early signs of cervical cancer, more intense symptoms will arise in later stages. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer can include:

• back or pelvic pain
• difficulty urinating or defecating due to obstruction
• swelling of one or both legs
• fatigue
• weight loss

Who is at Risk?

Knowing the warning signs, as well as your risks, increase your chances of catching cervical cancer (or HPV) quickly. Risk factors for cervical cancer:

• high number of sexual partners
• first sexual intercourse at a young age
• sex with a man whose partner had cervical cancer
• smoking
• compromised immune system
• mother’s use of diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy

What Tests Can Help?

Regular screening is the best defense against cervical cancer. Routine pelvic exams can help spot problems. For decades, doctors have used a pap test—a swipe of the cervix to collect cells for examination under a microscope.  

Now, women under 30 are best served screening for HPV. The British Journal of Cancer published a study showing that these tests are more likely to catch cervical abnormalities and are much more effective.

Get More Information

While the outlook is getting better, staying informed about cervical cancer is the easiest way to fight it.

More information about cervical cancer:

• Preventing Cervicial Cancer
• Screening for Cervical Cancer
• How Doctors Diagnose Cervical Cancer