Cervical Cancer: Symptoms & Signs

In its early stages, cervical cancer typically does not cause symptoms. It may be detected on Pap screening and subsequent testing even before symptoms have developed. When symptoms do occur, one of the most common symptoms is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can include bleeding between menstrual periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam, or bleeding after douching. Unusual or unexplained changes in the menstrual cycle, such as abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding after menopause, are also possible signs of cervical cancer.

Other symptoms and signs that may accompany the condition include vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse. When cervical cancer has spread throughout the body (metastasized), it may cause general symptoms and signs, like fatigue and weight loss.

Causes of cervical cancer

Infection with certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) has been found to cause cervical cancer, although it is poorly understood why only some women with this infection develop the disease, since HPV infection is very common. Risk factors that increase the risk of developing cervical cancer include having many sexual partners, smoking, using birth control pills, and engaging in early sexual contact (having sex at an early age).

Other cervical cancer symptoms and signs

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
• Bleeding After Sexual Intercourse
• Bleeding Between Periods
• Heavy Menstrual Periods
• Painful Intercourse
• Pelvic Pain
• Vaginal Discharge

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