Cervical cancer is a common condition, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggesting that approximately 11,500 new cases of this type of cancer are detected every year in the country. Like other types of cancer, this condition is most manageable when diagnosed in the earliest stages of progression. So, to help receive timely treatment and diagnosis, one should keep an eye out for the following early warning signs of cervical cancer:
1. Pain in lower back or pelvis
Pelvic pain and lower back pain in women are indicators of underlying issues in the reproductive organs. If one experiences pain in these areas, then the symptoms should be examined by a doctor to check for cervical cancer. Continuous pelvic pain near the appendix can develop when the cancer has advanced.
2. Loss of appetite
This is a common cancer symptom. With cervical cancer, the early stages are often associated with unexplained muscle loss and a drastic change in appetite. In fact, even women with healthy appetites and adequate food intake can experience muscle loss as an early warning sign of cervical cancer.
3. Unusual discharge
Vaginal discharge is a normal phenomenon in women, especially in different stages of menstrual cycle. However, cervical cancer-induced discharge tends to be foul-smelling, bloody, pink, or brown in color and slightly different in texture. One may initially be unable to tell the difference. So, getting routine screenings can help in detecting cervical cancer.
4. Changes in bowel and urinary habits
Cervical cancer is known to affect bowel movements and urinary habits. So, one may experience a persistent urge to urinate. Further, the stools may appear visibly different than usual in the initial stages of cervical cancer.
5. Leg pain
In multiple cases, the pain that initially starts in the pelvis and lower back as initial indicators of cancer can spread to the legs.
Upon noticing one or more early warning signs, one should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause and seek treatment for the symptoms.
