10 Characteristics of Cervical Cancer that are Important to Watch Out for

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that women need to watch out for. In the early stages, the disease does not cause pain or special symptoms. What can the sufferer feel? Find out the full features in the following review.

Characteristics of Cervical Cancer to Watch Out for

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the cervix. This condition is usually caused by an HPV infection (human papillomavirus).

Most women with cervical cancer have no symptoms until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms that you should watch out for, including:

1. Vaginal Bleeding

Unusual bleeding in the vagina is one of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer, as well as being a symptom of the early stages of this disease.

This condition can occur after sex, after menopause, or between menstruation.

2. Unusual vaginal discharge

Apart from bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a feature of cervical cancer. In women with this condition, vaginal discharge becomes watery, has a strong odor, and the fluid’s consistency and texture change.

Normally, vaginal discharge is white or clear and does not smell. Its thickness can change with the menstrual cycle in women.

If you find that your vaginal discharge is unusual, consult a doctor immediately. The reason is, this condition can indicate symptoms of other diseases.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

At an advanced stage, cervical cancer can also cause pelvic pain when you have sex. The pain that is felt can cause discomfort so that it interferes with sexual activity.

Even research reveals that sufferers have lower sexual arousal as a symptom of disease and a side effect of chemotherapy.

Also Read: Causes and How to Overcome Vaginal Itching after Sex

4. Extreme Fatigue

Excessive fatigue arises because vaginal bleeding. This condition makes the body eventually lack red blood cells. As a result, you have anemia. The typical symptom of anemia is fatigue.

Symptoms of fatigue can persist and be felt constantly, even though you have gotten enough rest.

5. Frequent urination

The characteristics of the next advanced stage of cervical cancer are increased frequency of urination.

Cancer cells that grow in the cervix can develop into the bladder. As a result, you can experience problems when urinating.

Not only frequent urination, you can also feel pain when urinating. However, these symptoms can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other illness. Therefore, check with your doctor to be sure.

6. Swelling of the Legs

This disease can causing a cancerous lump which then presses on the blood vessels in the pelvis. This condition can inhibit blood circulation to the limbs.

Therefore, swelling of the legs (all parts of the legs from the groin down) is one of the characteristics of cervical cancer.

7. Decreased appetite

Cervical cancer that spreads to certain parts of the body can cause changes in metabolism. As a result, there is a change in one’s appetite. The aftereffect is the occurrence of weight loss.

So, if you experience weight loss for no apparent reason, be aware of the possibility of this condition.

8. Digestive problems

Diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive disorders can be signs of advanced cervical cancer that you need to watch out for.

Swelling of the cervix can press on the abdominal cavity. This condition can cause the stomach and digestive tract to become depressed.

In the end, someone with cervical cancer can experience increased stomach acid, flatulence, and digestive problems.

9. There is blood in the urine

Blood spots in the urine can be one of the symptoms of cervical cancer. Therefore, if you find blood spots in the urine, immediately consult a doctor. The reason is, this condition could be caused by this disease.

10. Faeces and Urine Out of the Vagina

Vaginal function may be disrupted due to cervical cancer. This is caused by the formation of fistulas, the passage between the bladder and vagina or vagina and rectum.

As a result of these conditions, leakage of urine and discharge of feces through the vagina can occur.

Although relatively rare, fistulas can appear as a feature of advanced cervical cancer.

Also Read: 10 Causes of Long Menstruation and How to Overcome Them

Cervical Cancer Prevention

After knowing the characteristics of cervical cancer, it is important to prevent this condition. Some ways you can do this include:

1. Do the Vaccination

There are more than 100 types of HPV, but two of them (types 16 and 18) cause more than half of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine itself targets these two types.

The ideal time to get the HPV vaccine is before someone is sexually active. Vaccines can be given when the child is 11 or 12 years old.

For those of you who live in Jakarta and want to get the HPV vaccine, you can visit the Farmaku pharmacy. For more info click HPV vaccine Farmaku Kelapa Gading Square Pharmacy.

2. Use protection during sexual intercourse

This virus is spread through sexual intercourse. If you experience a sexually transmitted disease, then the risk of getting this virus is also quite high.

Avoid sexual intercourse freely (without using protection) because if you do, the risk of getting cervical cancer will be even higher.

3. Do Pap Smear and HPV Test

PAP smear useful for detecting ‘precancerous’ cells which may never be a problem. This test is recommended to be done at the age of 21 and done every 3 years.

Talk to your doctor about the recommended frequency of tests based on your age and medical condition.

Meanwhile, the HPV test can be done as a combination PAP smear. This is done to detect cervical cancer more accurately.

The combination of the two tests can be done every five years for women over the age of 30.

If you are sexually active and too old to get the vaccine, the best prevention method is to follow your doctor’s directions.

4. Apply a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of various diseases, one of which is cervical cancer. Conversely, some bad habits can increase the risk of developing this disease, for example smoking habits.

Apart from that, you can also pay attention to several other things, such as

• Maintain ideal body weight.
• Consume lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Not using birth control pills for a long time.

Also Read: Important Things About Vaginal pH that Women Must Know

When to See a Doctor?

Examination to the doctor should be done before you experience the characteristics mentioned above. This is done as an action to detect and prevent cancer early.

Meanwhile, when you suspect symptoms of cervical cancer, consult a doctor immediately. Especially if you experience abnormal bleeding. The sooner the examination is carried out, the faster the treatment can be given.

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