1. Be Body Conscious
You may not realize you have cervical cancer simply because the symptoms mimic many other health problems. You may think the symptoms of cervical cancer are actually related to PMS or pain from ovulation. Even more frustrating, in some cases of cervical cancer, the symptoms don't show up until the cancer has progressed or there are no signs at all. A Pap smear is essential every year because it can show your doctor abnormal cervical changes. You can catch the problem years before it develops into cancer.
2. Bleeding is Bad
Bleeding during your period is one thing. Abnormal bleeding is quite a diffferent story. It's a symptom of cervical cancer. Watch out for bleeding between menstrual periods, after a pelvic exam, douching or sexual intercourse. It doesn't matter if it's heavy or light bleeding. Get it checked out. The symptoms point to irritation of your cervix, which could be cervical cancer. In addition to bleeding, watch for unusually heavy discharge. It's different for each woman but may have a bad smell, be thick, watery or consist of mucus. Make sure to tell your doctor if you're experiencing bleeding or discharge.
3. Feel the Pain
Pelvic pain is another one of the cervical cancer early symptoms. While some pain may be part of your normal PMS cycle, it can also be a symptom of a more serious problem. It can range from mild to severe, be a dull ache or stabbing pains and can last for hours. If you feel pain when you pee, you may have advanced cervical cancer. Painful urination usually appears once the cancer has spread into your bladder.
4. Pointing to the Possibility
You're more susceptible to cervical cancer if you've had many children, many sex partners, started having sex when you were young, use birth control pills or if you smoke cigarettes. If you have an infection with HPV or a weaker immune system, you're also at a greater risk for the cancer. Depending on how far along the cancer is, your doctor may recommended surgery, chemo or radiation. If you avoid these risk factors, you'll more likely prevent cervical cancer.
5. Catch It Early
Each year, there are 10,000 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed every year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. With the rising awareness of the importance of regular Pap smears, there are fewer cases of cervical cancer and fewer deaths from it. Because cervical cancer symptoms can point to other health issues and because sometimes there are no symptoms, it's essential to get Pap smears on a regular basis. If you catch the cervical cancer early, the prognosis for survival is almost 100 percent. The overall survival rate, regardless of the stage of the cancer, is 73 percent.
