Cervical Cancer: 5 Warning Signs You Must Never Ignore
Cervical cancer is an uncomfortable disease that starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The most common cause is chronic infection with certain high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Most HPV infections go away on their own, but some can cause cervical cells to change and potentially become cancerous over time.
Cervical cancer is a condition that affects thousands of women in the UK each year. The positive news? It’s among the most preventable and treatable types of cancer — if caught early. That’s why it’s important to recognise the early warning signs and to understand the risk factors.
This blog strives to create awareness through a description of the five most important symptoms related to cervical cancer that you should never ignore, the diagnosis process, risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of regular screenings. Knowing the difference could save a life — maybe even yours.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells start to grow uncontrollably in the lining of the cervix. Untreated, these cells may then invade deeper layers or spread to other areas of the body. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a very common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse.
HPV infection is very common, but in most people, the immune system clears the virus without intervention. However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types (particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18) causes alterations of cervical cells. If left unrecognised and untreated, these alterations can evolve into cancer over time.
The problem with cervical cancer is that the early stages are often asymptomatic. This is why regular cervical screening is vital to detect abnormal cells before they turn cancerous, through smear tests (formerly known as Pap smears).
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
Cervical screening is available for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in the UK. These tests look for HPV and for issues with the cervical cells. If HPV is positive, it’s followed up with more tests to look for cell abnormalities.
Screenings usually begin at age 25 and are repeated every three to five years depending on age and medical history. But if you notice unusual symptoms between screenings, you should also never hesitate to get advice from a GP.
If there are signs that suggest the presence of cervical cancer, your doctor may recommend additional investigations to rule out the disease, such as a colposcopy (a closer look at the cervix using a special microscope), a biopsy, or imaging tests to evaluate the extent of the disease.
5 Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer You Should Never Ignore
Of course, being able to catch this early can save your life. But there are five key symptoms that deserve immediate medical attention:
1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
It can be the first warning sign and the most common one. It may include:
- Bleeding between periods.
- Bleeding following sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding after menopause.
This type of bleeding happens because cancer can make blood vessels in the cervix brittle and susceptible to breaking. There are various reasons for irregular bleeding; however, cervical cancer needs to be considered — particularly if it is chronic or worsening. Get to your GP urgently if you notice any change in your menstrual or postmenopausal bleeding pattern.
2. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Almost all women have some kind of vaginal discharge, but if it changes colour , consistency, or smell, it could be a red flag. Warning signs include:
- A slight, watery, pale pink or brown discharge.
- A strong or unpleasant odour.
- Discharge that’s heavier than usual with no reason.
This could be due to a breakdown of cancerous tissue or infection. If you are having an abnormal discharge that doesn’t fit with what is normal for you and is not associated with an infectious process that you’re aware of, then you should get it checked out.
3. Persistent Pelvic Pain or Discomfort
Pelvic pain not connected to menstruation, ovulation, or other common culprits may in some instances be a symptom of cervical cancer. This may present as:
- A constant pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Sharp, stabbing pains.
- Pain in the low back or hips.
When cancer grows, it can press on adjacent tissues and nerves. If you’re having persistent pelvic pain and you have no other explanation, don’t leave it — make an appointment with your GP.
4. Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Painful sex is often dismissed or blamed on other causes, and it can be an indicator that is actually very important when it comes to cervical cancer. The pain may be caused by:
- Inflammation or growth of tumours on the cervix.
- Damage to nearby body parts.
Some women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer remember this being one of their first unusual symptoms. One patient reported: “I had started having pain while having sex, something I had never experienced before. It felt awkward, and I could tell something was off. So that’s what made me go get checked.”
Pain during intercourse is not normal — if it occurs repeatedly, it’s important to see a doctor.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
Although these symptoms may be associated with a variety of conditions, they can also occur in later stages of cervical cancer. They include:
- Unexplained loss of weight, either sudden or gradual, with no change to diet or exercise.
- Excessive tiredness or loss of energy.
These symptoms can develop either when the body is working extra hard to beat disease or when cancer alters normal metabolic processes. If you are feeling unusually weak or losing weight unexpectedly, it’s time to talk to a health professional.
Cervical Cancer Stages and Treatment Options
Cervical cancer is staged from 0 to IV:
- Stage 0: Precancerous cells.
- Stages I–II: Localised cancer.
- Stages III–IV: The cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
Treatment varies based on the stage of diagnosis:
- Early stage: Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, and possibly the cervix or uterus.
- Later stages: Possibly need radiation therapy plus chemotherapy.
So, can cervical cancer be cured? In most cases, yes — especially when detected early. When it comes to killing, prevention is the best prescription — and early detection and quick treatment are at the heart of my work.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Some things can make cervical cancer more likely to develop:
- Persistent HPV infection.
- Smoking (damages cervical cells, reduces immunity).
- Having a suppressed immune system.
- History of cervical cancer in the family.
Prevention tips include:
- Having the HPV vaccination (offered to girls and boys in the UK from 12–13 years old).
- Going to all cervical screening appointments.
- Engaging in safe sex and living a healthy lifestyle.
A diagnosis of cervical cancer can be emotionally and physically draining. Tiredness, treatment side effects, fear — who hasn’t had these feelings? This is why it’s important to have a strong support network in place — family, friends, or a dedicated care team.
Specialist centres like Chase Lodge Hospital provide tailored treatment and continuous support for any care plan. If this is you, know you are not alone, and with the right guidance and compassion, many women live vibrant and healthy lives in recovery after treatment.
Conclusion
In its early stages, cervical cancer can be quiet, but your body often lets you know when something’s wrong. Recognising indicators, like unusual bleeding, pain, or unusual discharge, is critical — and acting on them quickly is as well.
Regular screenings, HPV vaccinations, and staying informed are your best tools in preventing and detecting cervical cancer early. Due to continuing advances in medicine and your increased awareness, the outlook is brighter than ever.
Your health is important — don’t chalk it up to a passing phase.
