The #1 Sign of Cervical Cancer Most People Miss
Woman waiting for a cervical cancer screening
In the U.S., about 11,500 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, according to CDC data. About 4,000 people die from the disease.
These statistics can be frightening. However, one doctor offered some hope.
"When cervical cancer is caught early, it is very curable," says Dr. Robert Debernardo, MD, a specialist in gynecologic oncology at Cleveland Clinic.
However, catching cervical cancer early isn't always easy for a key reason: "Many people with cervical cancer do not have symptoms," says Dr. Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group.
Sometimes, however, there are symptoms—though they're easy to brush off. Unfortunately, Dr. Debernardo says that cervical cancer becomes a more significant challenge to treat as it advances. Understanding possible signs of cervical cancer can empower you to take control of your health and give the doctor what could be a life-saving call. Below, doctors shared the symptoms of cervical cancer not to ignore (and the best way to ensure the cancer gets detected early, even if it is asymptomatic).
The Sign of Cervical Cancer Most People Miss
Cervical cancer is often asymptomatic. However, people may have abnormal discharge that they write off as normal. "The most common symptoms are blood after intercourse or between menstrual cycles and foul-smelling vaginal discharge," says Dr. Debernardo.
Another expert adds that you should flag some changes to your cycle. "Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual," says Dr. Sharyn Lewin, FACS, FACOG, the director of the division of gynecologic oncology at Holy Name Medical Center.
Dr. Lewin says people who have gone through menopause and notice bleeding will also want to get a doctor on the line. Moreover, blood isn't the only discharge to note. Dr. Purdie says watery discharge can also signify someone may have cervical cancer.
The problem? "This may be missed because it is mistaken for something else, such as infection or normal physiological discharge," says Dr. Purdie.
So, people may write watery discharge off as "no big deal" or "normal." Ditto for blood. And it may not be cervical cancer, but it also might not be. Doctors aren't trying to alarm anyone, they just want to arm you with information that could save your life.
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Other Signs of Cervical Cancer
Since it's possible to have cervical cancer without knowing it, one doctor took a different approach to the question, "What's the biggest sign of cervical cancer that most people miss?" Her response? An abnormal pap smear.
"Cervical cancer does not always present with bleeding or pain," says Dr. Diana Pearre, MD, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist at The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. "It can be asymptomatic."
Dr. Purdie has diagnosed two cases of cervical cancer in her 15 years of practice, and both patients hadn't seen a gynecologist in more than a decade. For some, regular pap smears are like old hat. However, Dr. Pearre says others miss them for several reasons.
"Pelvic exams are considered somewhat invasive and can feel uncomfortable for many," Dr. Pearre says. "It is important to talk to your doctor about concerns with a pelvic exam."
Dr. Pearre says people may be confused about updated cervical cancer screening guidelines and pap smear regularity. She recommends speaking with your doctor about those too.
Finally, life happens.
"Cervical cancer most often affects younger women, many of whom are more focused on family and career than their own health," Dr. Debernardo says. "Cancer isn’t even on their radar, and they may disregard symptoms such as irregular bleeding."
Besides abnormal discharge and pap smears, Dr. Debernardo says that symptoms of cervical cancer include:
Painful intercourse
Pain in the back or pelvis
Leg swelling
Problems urinating
These can all be signs of cervical cancer and can indicate that the disease has spread to the kidneys, which is a serious problem," he says.
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At What Age Is Cervical Cancer Most Common?
The average age for a cervical cancer diagnosis in the U.S. is 50, according to the American Cancer Society. It is most frequently diagnosed in people ages 35 to 44.
"These women are young, which makes this cancer particularly devastating," Dr. Lewin says.
However, Dr. Debernardo says people of any age should be aware of signs and continue to attend regular gynecological appointments.
"It is uncommon in women who are over 70, but it does still happen, so older women should still be alert to any new symptoms developing," Dr. Debernardo warns.
How to Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer? "Pap smears, pap smears, pap smears," Dr. Debernardo says.
They may not prevent cervical cancer, but they can increase your chances of survival. To reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer in the first place, Dr. Debernardo encourages getting the HPV vaccine.
"The vaccine has only been available for about a decade, but in countries where vaccination is widespread, we are already seeing significant drops in cervical cancer rates," Dr. Debernardo shares.
Sources
Cervical Cancer Statistics. CDC.
Dr. Robert Debernardo, MD, a specialist in gynecologic oncology at Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group
Dr. Sharyn Lewin, FACS, FACOG, the director of the division of gynecologic oncology at Holy Name Medical Center
Dr. Diana Pearre, MD, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist at The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.
Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer, American Cancer Society
