One of the most common cancers, particularly in young people, could be overlooked in its early stages
Women are being warned not to ignore specific symptoms that might be early warning signs of cervical cancer, as experts emphasise the importance of vigilance. Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer among females in the UK, impacting over 3,000 individuals every year, reports Cancer Research UK.
The disease initially presents very few symptoms, meaning that those skipping regular cervical screenings may not detect a problem until the cancer is already tragically in the advanced stages. Dr Angela Sarmiento Bentancourt, Medical Affairs Manager at myTomorrows, highlighted the few early symptoms to look out for, warning that failure to notice them could lead to months or even years before a cancer diagnosis is made.
One key symptom is changes in your period. Experiencing a heavier period than usual or unexpected bleeding between periods or after menopause might often be dismissed by women as a mere fluctuation in their cycle.
However, this is one of the most common indicators of cervical cancer. Keeping a meticulous watch over one’s period and noting any peculiarities when consulting a doctor are crucial steps; this can be easily achieved through various tracking apps and online diaries.
Further highlighting the need for awareness, Anna Maxwell, founder and CEO of Maxwellia, referred to a survey by Evana, which found less than half of women feel confident about their understanding of the menstrual cycle. She underlined: “Understanding your own period and cycle is absolutely vital for your overall health and wellbeing. “.
“Being in tune with this key aspect of your body can help you recognise when something isn’t feeling right. For example, knowing whether vaginal discharge or bleeding between your periods is a normal part of your cycle or a potential sign of a health issue can alert you to when a GPs advice is needed.”
If you experience vaginal bleeding or pain that could extend to your lower back, pelvis or lower abdomen during or after sex, this could be a sign of cervical cancer. However, the myTomorrows doctor stressed the importance of not just relying on noticing these symptoms early enough and urged everyone with a cervix to take two crucial steps.
The first step is to commit to regular cervical cancer screenings, which are comprehensive. Dr Bentancourt shared: “All women and people with a cervix in the UK aged between 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screenings. As mentioned, cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, so these screenings serve as the primary way of diagnosing.”
The second step is the HPV vaccine. This virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer and one of the most common viral STIs in the world. There is currently no cure for HPV but its symptoms and other health issues it creates like genital warts can be treated.
It’s transmitted by skin-to-skin contact of the genital as well as vaginal, anal or oral sex. While condoms can lower the chances of becoming infected, because it doesn’t cover all of the skin around your genitals there is no complete protection.
Dr Bentancourt strongly recommends getting the HPV vaccine if possible, noting: “Additionally, all children aged 12-13 are offered the HPV vaccine. This helps protect against the most prevalent types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.”
Anna also pointed out other risk factors for cervical cancer, such as smoking tobacco. She warned that having more sexual partners and not practising safe sex, like using condoms, can raise the risk of contracting HPV, which in turn ups the chances of developing the cancer.
