Cervical cancer is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ due to its subtle symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other conditions. However, recognizing these signs early on is crucial in improving chances of survival.
Experts warn women about three key red-flag symptoms to watch out for: heavier periods, bleeding after sex or between periods, and pain during sex or lower back pain. These symptoms can be caused by a tumour pressing on bone, nerves, or organs, and are often accompanied by exhaustion due to heavy and frequent bleeding.
Angela Sarmiento Bentancourt, medical specialist at myTomorrows, advises seeking medical help if you experience any of these symptoms. While they may be more commonly associated with menstruation, they can also be a sign of cervical cancer.
Regular cervical screenings are essential in the UK, where all women aged 25-64 are invited for screening every three years. The screenings serve as the primary way of diagnosing cervical cancer. In fact, cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in females in the UK, affecting around 3,300 people per year.
It’s worth noting that cervical cancer is often caused by an infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), and there is a vaccine available that is more than 80% effective. Condoms can also help lower the risk of contracting HPV, although they do not provide complete protection.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14284115/symptoms-women-never-ignore-cervical-cancer.html