The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system, through which the sperm travels to the uterus, where the fertilization takes place. It acts as a filter and prevents unhealthy or foreign particles from entering the uterus. When a woman expects a child, the cervix ensures that the baby stays in the uterus until it is ready to be born.

The cervix’s essential function is to cue the body to dilate at the right time so that premature or preterm deliveries are avoided and standard delivery is possible through the vagina.

Early-stage cervical cancer does not develop any signs or symptoms. The symptoms show only when the tumor is in advanced stages and has spread to the nearby tissues. Women should take both mild and severe symptoms seriously and consult the doctor immediately.

1. Abnormal bleeding in cervical cancer
As the cervix is associated with a woman’s reproductive system, the symptoms of cervical cancer, in most cases, are associated with bleeding. Women may ignore unusual bleeding as usual and brush it off as caused by exhaustion. Some of the bleeding-related symptoms are:

• Unusual and heavy menstrual bleeding
• There is gentle flow or spotting between two menstrual cycles.
• Menstrual cycles that last more than five or seven days
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after douching
• Vaginal discharge between menstrual cycles or after menopause (Sometimes, the release could have blood in it.)
• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain during intercourse

2. Associated symptoms of cervical cancer
When cancer advances, there will be other symptoms that one would usually not associate with cervical cancer:

• Unexplained swelling of the legs
• Bloody urine
• Difficulty in passing urine or stools
• Weakness and dizziness after intercourse
• Fatigue
• Loss of weight
• Lack of appetite
• Pain in the bones

Take your early warning signs seriously
Many women do not take excessive menstrual flow and longer cycles seriously. If it happened for just one process, it could be expected. If you experience unusual bleeding month after month or even after menopause, pain, and bleeding after vigorous intercourse, do not ignore it as an “off day.” If a woman is at high risk because of lifestyle choices and continues to either ignore or misread the symptoms – it could lead to more complications. Self-medication or over-the-counter medication might stop the bleeding or reduce the pain temporarily. Do not delay in seeking a doctor’s advice if the symptoms are persistent. Bleeding along with dizziness or passing out is also a red flag that needs immediate medical attention.

Early diagnosis is crucial
Apart from the symptoms involving bleeding, other symptoms like loss of weight or fatigue could be misconstrued as usual. Talks recorded with many cervical cancer patients have shown that many ignored these warning signals and thought that some rest and a good night’s sleep would make them feel better. A universal medical truth if any condition is diagnosed early, treatment can be more effective with a high possibility of a complete cure. Hence early testing and diagnosis are critical to any cancer treatment to avoid delay if cancer has spread. If you have one or more of the above symptoms and are at risk for cervical cancer, rush to the doctor immediately.