DIY: Recognize Cervical Cancer Symptoms

How to Recognize Cervical Cancer Symptoms

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All women are at risk for cervical cancer. Over 90% of all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). With regular screening tests and follow-up, cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent. It is also highly curable when detected and treated early. This article will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Steps

1. Know if you are at risk. Contracting HPV is not the only risk, other things can increase your chances of getting cervical cancer as well. They include:
   
   • Not having routine Pap tests (also known as Pap smears).
     
   • Not returning to see your doctor if you had an abnormal Pap test result.
     
   • Having HIV.
     
   • Smoking.
     
   
   
2. Understand that cervical cancer does not cause signs and symptoms. However, there are signs and symptoms as the cancer advances. Look for:
   
   • Unusual bleeding, such as bleeding after sex or between regular menstrual periods.
     
   • Pain during urination.
     
   • Pelvic pain not caused by menstruation.
     
   • Unusual vaginal discharge.
     
   
   
3. See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the listed signs or symptoms.
   

Tips

• The vaccine, Gardasil, can prevent 4 types of HPV infections, including the infections that cause most cervical cancers.
  
• 6 out of 10 cervical cancers occur in women who have never received a Pap test or who have not had testing within the past five years.
  
• At minimum, half of all sexually active people will have HPV at some time in their lives.
  
• There are steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting HPV.
  
  • Practice abstinence.
    
  • Use a condom.
    
  • Limit your number of sex partners.
    
  • Choose your sex partners wisely.
    
  • Maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who has had few sex partners, and who has been tested and found to be free of HPV or other STDs.
    
  
  

Warnings

• The Gardasil vaccine does not protect against all cancer causing types of HPV.
  

Sources and Citations

• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/gyn_overview.htm
  
• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/
  
• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/
  

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