How I knew I had Cervical Cancer | How to detect cervical cancer in its early stages

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women. It’s also one of the most common, with over 500,000 cases reported each year. Both men and women can be affected by this virus. The symptoms can be difficult to spot at first and it’s important to know what they are so you can get them checked out before something serious happens!

Spotting the Signs of Cervical Cancer

Spotting the signs of cervical cancer can be difficult, as they often mimic other common issues women experience. However, there are some key symptoms you should look out for.

• Vaginal discharge that is abnormal in color, amount, or odor
• Itching or burning sensations in the vagina
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Leg pain
• Weight Loss
• Abdominal bloating
• Swelling of the legs
• Blood in the urine
• Constant Fatigue
• Bleeding after Menopause
• Unpleasant Smelling Vaginal Discharge
• Pain & Comfort During Sex
• Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
• Menstrual bleeding is longer and heavier than usual.
• Unexplained, persistent, and/or back pain
• Bleeding after intercourse, douching
• Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Early detection is key in preventing the spread of cervical cancer!

Types of Cervical cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas begin in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line the outer surface of the cervix and protrude into the vagina. The majority of cervical cancers are also squamous cell carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma

The column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal are where this type of cervical cancer begins. Adenocarcinomas make up the majority (about 90%) of cervical cancers. A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the gland-like cells in the cervix, usually starting from pre-cancerous lesions (“cervical intraepithelial neoplasia” or CIN).

The Importance of Early Detection

It is much more likely for cervical cancer to be successfully treated when it is caught in its early stages. However, if it is allowed to progress, the chances for a successful treatment drop significantly. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms and see your doctor if anything seems amiss.

Getting regular Pap smears is also an important way in which you can detect cervical cancer in its early stages. Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam, looking for any abnormal growths or areas of concern about it. Please consult a doctor as early as possible if you detect any of the symptoms.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

The following are some of the major cervical cancer Causes:

• Sexual behavior
• Smoking
• Weakened Immune System
• Family History
• Socio Economic Status
• Birth control pills

How to Lower Your Risk?

• Reporting to GP any abnormal bleeding / Symptoms
• Being Vaccinated against HPV ( Human papillomavirus )
• Having Regular Cervical Screening From age 25+
• Stopping Smoking

Why should I go for a test?

Cervical cancer is highly curable if discovered early enough. Importantly, the majority of abnormalities are detected in precancerous conditions. At this stage, treatment consists of a minor outpatient procedure with a local anesthetic.

New treatments and improved screening methods are improving survival rates for cervical cancer, similar to other cancer types. The goal is to detect the condition as soon as possible, which is why HPV testing like Check4Cancer’s HPV Check is so crucial.

The HPV infection causes changes in the cells of the cervix, which can result in abnormalities in some women and altered DNA synthesis. These anomalies may lead to the formation of damaged and disorderly cervical cell structures that are unable to function properly.

Cervical cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer, and early detection has a major effect on long-term survival.