In its early stages, cervical cancer may have no symptoms. Often, the diagnosis is made during a routine pelvic examination. Some women experience symptoms such as bleeding between periods (irregular vaginal bleeding); post-menopausal vaginal bleeding; vaginal bleeding after intercourse; and vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. When the cancer is in an advanced stage and has invaded the tissue surrounding the cervix, a woman may have pain in the pelvic area, and heavy bleeding from the vagina.

When there are Cervical cancer symptoms, the most common are:

• Persistent vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, blood streaked, or dark and foul-smelling
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially between menstrual periods, after intercourse or douching, and after menopause, which gradually becomes heavier and longer

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:

• Loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue
• Pelvic, back, or leg pain
• Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
• Bone fracture

Cervical cancer symptoms - Causes

The cause of cervical cancer is not known. However, certain factors are believed to increase one's risk of developing cervical cancer. Engaging in sexual activity at a young age is one such factor. The cells lining the cervix do not fully mature until the age of 18 and, therefore, are more susceptible to cancer causing-agents and viruses.

More than 90% of women with cancer of the cervix are infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV). Hence, HPV infection is the single most important risk factor for cervical cancer. The HPV belongs to a group of 70 viruses that can cause warts (papillomas). HPV usually causes warts in the genital area. The viruses are passed from one person to another during unprotected sex. Having multiple sexual partners increases one's risk of getting this cancer, because the greater the number of sexual partners, the greater is the risk of acquiring HPV infection. Even if a woman has only one sexual partner, but the man has several partners, he is considered a "high-risk male" and can transmit HPV to the woman.

Smoking is considered a risk factor, possibly because smoking causes some abnormal changes in the cells and these cells have a higher likelihood of becoming cancerous.

There has been no direct proof linking the use of oral contraceptives with cervical cancer. Nevertheless, some statistical studies have suggested that long-term use of oral contraceptives may put a woman at a slightly higher risk of developing this cancer.

Cervical Cancer Picture