# Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer is a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) related disease. HPV is the most common infection of the reproductive tract, infecting a majority of sexually active men and women from around the world at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, the infection can occur more than once. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer in 90% of the cases. Other factors causing cervical cancer, while minor, include smoking, birth control pills, having sex at a young age, having several sexual partners, multiple pregnancies etc. The HPV virus can be transmitted by skin to skin genital contact and does not even require penetrative sex for the virus to spread.
Worldwide, cervical cancer is both the fourth most common cause of cancer and death from cancer in women. Studies in the last year alone show 528,000 cases of cervical cancer with 266,000 deaths by it. It is the most common cause of cancer related death in lower income families and in women of developing nations. Its containment relies on the expensive and painful process of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery if not detected in time. The following 9 significant warning signs may save your life!
#9 Abnormal Bleeding
If you or a loved one experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, it could be an early sign of cervical cancer. Bleeding and spotting between menstrual cycles, having a longer or heavier menstrual period than usual, bleeding after sex or vaginal intercourse, bleeding even after menopause, bleeding after going to the bathroom and bleeding after a pelvic exam are signs of cervical cancer.
It is advisable, at this stage, to inform your gynecologist of the abnormal bleeding. It is possible for an infection to be causing said bleeding, however a visit to the doctor is imperative as a preventive measure. If it is cancer, ignoring symptoms might allow it to progress to a more advanced stage and lower your chance for effective treatment.
#8 Abnormal Discharge
Though most women might experience discharge in the form of or due to bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or a symptom of menopause, these discharges are recognizable by color and are harmless. But any change in color the color of the discharge, to brownish, pale or yellowish is a sign of cervical cancer.
Likewise, if the vaginal discharge begins to develop a bad smell, it is one of the leading signs of cervical cancer. Other discharges that signal cervical cancer may be a discharge containing blood that occurs between your periods or after menopause.
#7 Discomfort While Urinating
Often, any discomfort and pain that is experienced while passing urine can be caused by a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) which is treatable and demands a visit to the doctor. However, if accompanied by the rest of these symptoms, pain and discomfort while urinating might be attributed to cervical cancer that has spread from the inner walls of the vagina to the bladder. In this situation prevention serves better than a cure, and a timely visit to the doctor is advised. It could be a sign of a cervical cancer that is beginning to grow and must be checked immediately.
#6 Painful Coitus
Painful sexual intercourse or coitus can be a leading sign of cervical cancer. While painful coitus can be attributed to other infections, if it occurs alongside the other symptoms it may be an important warning bell. If it is indeed cervical cancer, the tumor begins to grow and mutate on the inner linings of the vagina, causing a painful sexual experience. It is imperative at this stage to visit a gynecologist for a timely diagnosis
#5 Unusually Long and Heavy Menstrual Periods
Unusually long or heavy periods can be an important signaling of cervical cancer. An irritation of the cervix that can be attributed to cervical cancer is the reason for the long and heavy period, often painful. While home remedies are available of the pain, it is to be seen as a sign of something wrong, and a doctor's diagnosis is a must.
#4 No Control Over Bladder
A leading sign of cervical cancer is a loss of bladder control as the cancer's first stage is a spreading to the bladder and urinary tract. If plagued with this symptom, do not be ashamed, it is a sign of something serious and a visit to the doctor is warranted.
#3 Pain In The Body
Women with cervical cancer experience high levels of body ache especially a radiating pain in the legs, back, and pelvis. There is also an extreme swelling of the legs, as the spread of cancer obstructs blood flow to the rest of the body. If the illness lingers and isn't combated in time it could result in a long term pain in the legs.
#2 Constant Fatigue
The combination of all these symptoms mentioned above in addition to a decreased blood flow is hard for the body. With the body's immunity constantly fighting the cancer, a person with the disease might experience a great exhaustion. If the feeling persists, visit your local doctor.
#1 Sudden and Unexplained Weight Loss
When a healthy body is fighting off a disease like cancer, the patient experiences weight loss at an accelerated rate in spite of what they eat. This occurs because the body created more proteins from fat to make energy in order to combat the disease. It is a leading sign of cervical cancer.
If you exhibit one or all of the above symptoms, visit your local doctor today to save your precious tomorrow!
