Symptoms of cervical cancer
Early cervical cancers and pre cancerous cell changes don't usually have symptoms.
Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. That's why it's important to attend regular cervical screening.
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- pain or discomfort during sex
- vaginal discharge
- pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)
If you have any of these symptoms, you must get them checked by your GP. But remember, they can all be caused by other conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have cervical cancer.
Vaginal bleeding
The most common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at times other than when you're having a period. You may have bleeding:
- between periods
- during or after sex
- at any time after your menopause
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding after sex isn't necessarily a sign of cervical cancer. It's often caused by something called a cervical erosion or ectropion.
A cervical erosion means that the cells normally inside the cervical canal (glandular cells) can be seen on the outside surface of the cervix (ectocervix). It is common:
- in young girls
- during pregnancy
- in women on the contraceptive pill
This is due to changes in hormone levels. Sex can make it start bleeding.
Cervical erosion has nothing to do with cancer. It's harmless and often goes away by itself or by changing contraception. Sometimes, it might need treatment. Your doctor does this by freezing the area under local anaesthetic (cryotherapy).
As cervical cancer can also cause bleeding after sex, it is always sensible to get any unusual bleeding checked by your doctor.
Discomfort or pain during sex
Some women have discomfort or pain during sex. This is called dyspareunia.
Many other conditions can cause this symptom. But you should see your doctor straight away if you have this.
Other symptoms
Some women also have:
- a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
- pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)
Cervical screening
Pre cancerous cell changes do not have any symptoms. The cervical screening programme aims to pick these changes up and prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
