Here’s what to look out for…
Your body is a finely-tuned instrument. All of your internal organs and systems are designed to balance each other out, providing support and keeping each other in check. Unfortunately, with all the exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and toxins, it’s not uncommon for our body to suffer.
Cancer has become a surprisingly common problem. It’s estimated that roughly 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. in 2015 alone. Thankfully, cervical cancer is NOT one of the more common forms–roughly 13,000 women per year are diagnosed with the cancer.
But it’s important to know what to be on the lookout for! If you are noticing unusual bleeding, heavy periods, or reproductive issues, it could very well be something serious. Here are some of the signs of cervical cancer:
- Abnormal bleeding — This is one of the most common symptoms of all uterine, cervical, and vaginal health problems, but it’s usually an indication that something more serious than an infection is going on. Some women experience bleeding after intercourse, or they may continue to bleed even after undergoing menopause. They may bleed between their menstrual periods, or they will have longer and heavier periods than is normal. If you bleed after a pelvic exam or douching, it may be a symptom of cancer (but not pre-cancer).
- Pain –– Cancer may not cause pain on a regular basis, but many women suffering from cervical cancer may experience pain during vaginal intercourse. Pain in the lower belly and/or abdomen is often one of the signs of cervical cancer.
- Vaginal discharge –– Vaginal discharges are ALWAYS a sign that there is something going on inside the reproductive organ. The discharge may contain traces of blood, or it may just be a clear fluid leaking from your vagina. The discharge will often occur between your menstrual periods, when there should be nothing going on. It may even occur after menopause.
READ MORE: Herbs That Shorten Your Period
- Other Signs –– There are a few more signs that you are suffering from cervical cancer. The signs above are noticeable in the earlier stages, but the following symptoms are more common once the cancer has fully set in and grown invasive: fatigue, weight loss, swelling in one or both of your legs, pain in your back and/or pelvis, and difficulty urinating and/or defecating. This last one is caused by the swelling in your pelvic region, which will obstruct your bowels and bladder.
One very important thing to realize is that cancer does NOT have many early warning signs. By the time you notice these signs of cervical cancer, the cancer may have already set in. The symptoms will only show up once the cancer cells have fully set in to the cervical tissue, and even penetrated deep into the layers of tissue beneath the surface. That is what is causing the bleeding, discharge, and/or pain.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s VITAL that you get yourself to the doctor and get checked out! If they are caused by cervical cancer, you will need to treat it as soon as possible–before the cancer has time to spread to the rest of your uterus, other reproductive organs, or the rest of your body. Invasive cancer (which causes the more serious symptoms) will often metastasize quickly, so it’s vital that you receive treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent the cancer from spreading.
These signs of cervical cancer should be your incentive to visit your doctor and seek treatment and medical attention as soon as possible!
