When you are young and healthy, cancer would probably be the last disease you would be concerned about.
You would consider yourself immune to this disease and might even sideline the need to get regularly diagnosed for it, a general mistake that most women make.
Irrespective of your age and family history getting diagnosed with abnormal cell growth for some common types of cancers should be on your priority list.
For women cervical (the lowermost part of the uterus) and breast cancer are the two important ones.
The most types of cancer
There are many reasons why cervical cancer is referred to as the silent killer among women. The most important of all is because the condition does not show any symptoms till the time it reaches the advanced stage.
Another fact is that this disease progresses slowly, so you get ample time to get the proper treatment to stop the diseases from progressing any further. One can only take appropriate action if they are well aware of the common symptoms of cervical cancer. Here are some common signs of cervical cancer you must know about.
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the first sign observed in most cases of cervical cancer. When the cancerous cells start spreading to the surrounding tissue of the uterus, a woman may experience irregular bleeding. Abnormal bleeding is also a sign of other reproductive systems disorders like PCOS and hormonal imbalance. It is better not to take this sign lightly. Consult your gynaecologist immediately. Abnormal bleeding caused due to cervical cancer is mostly followed by fatigue and dizziness.
2. Bleeding after intercourse
Spotting or bleeding after sex can happen due to multiple reasons. It can be due to skin irritation, over-stretching of the vagina, STD, vagina dryness and the worst of all cervical cancer. Pain during intercourse is also associated with the growth of cancerous cells in the cervix. If you experience pain, discomfort and bleeding occasionally then there is no need to worry. However, if it is a regular thing consult your doctor.
3. Abnormal vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is completely normal, depending on the type of discharge you are experiencing. When suffering from cervical cancer the discharge is normally foul-smelling and pink, brown or bloody in colour. At times it may also contain chunks of the tissues of the cancerous cell. Examine your vaginal discharge carefully and if you notice these symptoms meet your doctor.
4. Pelvic pain
Women do suffer from lower back pain from time to time. This is quite common during the monthly menstrual cycle. However, in the case of cervical cancer lower back or pelvic pain is a normal thing. You may experience incessant pelvic pain if the cancer is at an advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body.
5. Unexplained weight loss
Just like other types of cancers, cervical cancer also leads to loss of appetite that leads to unexplained weight loss. If you are not following any diet trend or are not trying to shed kilos, there is no reason for you to lose weight. This is actually a red flag that must you look for and take appropriate actions. Any kind of abdominal distention or swelling, indigestion, change of bowel habit, loss of weight and loss of appetite can also be a sign of cancer.