Cervical cancer originates in a woman’s cervix or the lower part of the uterus. The uterus is the part of the body that holds the baby during pregnancy. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina or the birth canal. A sexually transmitted infection from human papillomavirus (HPV) has a significant role in the development of cervical cancer. When the healthy cells grow uncontrollably on the surface of the cervix, they form a mass called a tumor, which can be cancerous or benign. Hence, being aware of the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can help in getting an early diagnosis and better treatment.

Early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
In most women, in the initial stages, there are hardly any warning signs or symptoms of cervical cancer. These usually appear when the disease progresses a little. However, some of the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can be as follows:

• Unusual bleeding, such as between menstrual periods, after sex, after menopause or after a pelvic exam. This often happens when the cancer has spread to the local tissues. Excessive blood loss can lead to dizziness, weakness and even anemia.
• If the cancer blocks one’s kidneys, urination can become difficult and uncomfortable. Since one won’t be able to empty their bladder easily, they might feel a frequent urge to urinate.
• Unusual vaginal discharge in terms of color, smell, consistency or quantity is also another sign. Lack of oxygen can destroy some cancer cells, making the tumor infected. This can lend a foul smell to one’s vaginal discharge. This discharge might be continuous, watery, pale or even mixed with blood.
• If one experiences pain while passing urine, they should get themselves checked. As mentioned before, when the cancer blocks one’s kidneys, it can make passing urine difficult and hence painful.
• Pain or pressure might be experienced below the navel in this case. The pain might be constant or intermittent and might worsen after sexual intercourse.
• Unexplained back pain can occur if the growing tumor is exerting pressure on one’s nerves and spinal cord.
• Pain during intercourse can occur due to any infection that has led to cervical cancer. Bleeding might accompany this pain as well.
• In case the enlarging tumor exerts pressure on the veins or lymph nodes, one’s legs might pain. An imaging test, like a CT scan or X-ray, will help confirm this.
• A large cervical tumor near the bladder, colon, or kidneys can lower one’s control over the passing of urine and stool.

To conclude, knowing about the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can help one get the correct diagnosis at the earliest and it can make the treatment effective too. So, it is advisable to not ignore any unusual pain while urinating or passing stool, any abnormal vaginal bleeding, or pain in one’s back or abdomen that is occurring without any apparent reason. It is essential to go for regular checkups to live well.