Don't ignore these 10 warning signs of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer, caused almost exclusively by the human papillomavirus. While it is largely preventable by regular Pap smears that can detect early, precancerous changes, or by vaccines against HPV, survival rates for those who get it have been stagnant for decades, the scientists say. "Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix -- the lower part of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the body of the uterus (the upper part where a fetus grows) to the vagina (birth canal). Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control," claims American Cancer Society.
While cervical cancer is quite preventable, the reason for the higher incidence is a lack of awareness among women. Know these 10 warning signs of Cervical Cancer and prevent the risk of it getting serious.
10 warning signs of cervical cancer:
- Itching or burning sensations in the vagina
- Low back or abdominal pain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Bladder symptoms such as Haematuria (blood in the urine), Dysuria (painful urination) and/or frequent or urgent urination
- Abdominal bloating
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Leg oedema (fluid retention)
- Lower abdominal pain
- Rectal symptoms such as bleeding from the rectum, loose motion, or rectal pain
- Lumber pain due to Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the Kidney) or ureteric obstruction
