10 Warning Signs Of Cervical Cancer Women Shouldn’t Ignore

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The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be approximately 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer in 2016, with mortality at 4,120 – around 1 in 3 of those diagnosed. The CDC reports the almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a virus transmitted through sexual intercourse. Because of this, Pap smear tests have become an increasingly important part of the cervical screening. The good news is that over the past 30 years, cervical cancer mortality has actually gone down by 50 percent because women are being more vigilant regarding screening. Other risk factors include smoking, prolonged use of birth control pills, having three or more children, and having unprotected sexual intercourse with several partners. ^[1][2]

Screening – both by a physician and by your own self-examination – is such an important aspect of saving lives because the earlier the disease is caught, the greater the chances of cure.

Here are 10 warning signs of possible cervical cancer to be aware of.

1 – Bleeding Between Menstrual Cycles
In healthy women, bleeding normally occurs only during the menstrual cycle, when the uterus builds up and sheds its lining (FYI, one menstrual cycle starts from the first day of bleeding until the day before the next bleeding, which signifies the start of the next cycle). Normal cycles usually last between 21 to 35 days; because of this variation, some women do not bleed every month. What’s important is that you are aware how long your cycle should be and if there are any noticeable delays (give or take a few days is usually pretty normal). Be aware of your normal menstrual cycle and note any abnormal bleeding. Once the initial bleed at the beginning your cycle has stopped, there shouldn’t be a recurrence until the start of the next menstrual cycle. ^[3]