Some warning signs of cervical cancer every woman should know

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New Delhi: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women all around the world.

It occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina and is mostly caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV).

Women of all ages are at risk of developing this cancer after they begin having sexual intercourse so it is suggested that if you start noticing symptoms, your cancer may be fairly advanced.

Here are some symptoms of cervical cancer which every woman should know.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer experience irregular bleeding. An untimely bout of vaginal bleeding that occurs regularly could be an indicator of cervical cancer. Such bleeding may happen between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, after menopause and even after a pelvic exam.

Pain during intercourse

Painful intercourse is another important warning sign of cervical cancer. This symptom indicates advanced cervical cancer, which means the cancer has spread throughout tissues and reproductive organs. Do not ignore this symptom. Get your cervix examined by your doctor.

Discomfort while urinating

Cervical cancer can also cause discomfort during urination. In fact, it is one of the most obvious and prevalent symptoms of this deadly disease. Urinary discomforts include burning, stinging or a tight sensation while urinating. Such symptoms occur when the cancer has spread to nearby tissue. This requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Longer Menstrual Periods

Menstrual periods that are heavier and longer than normal are another common warning sign of cervical cancer. Irritation of the cervix, possibly due to spread of cervical cancer, can cause this problem. Bleeding is considered heavy if you have to change sanitary napkins or tampons more often than once every 2 hours.

Weight Loss

As with other forms of cancer, unexplained weight loss can indicate cervical cancer. When suffering from cancer, the immune system works hard to fight it. The body produces small proteins called cytokines, which break down fat at a much higher rate than normal. This leads to weight loss, irrespective of your diet. If you are suddenly losing weight and have some of the other symptoms mentioned in this article, it could be due to cervical cancer. It's important that you get a medical checkup.