Overview
Cervical cancer is not only preventable but also a highly treatable cancer. Yet, according to current estimates, every year, 123907 women in India are diagnosed with cancer, and of them, 77348 succumb to the disease.
Both preventable and treatable, yet cervical cancer is causing a significant number of deaths in India. Why is that?
A lot of factors contribute to these numbers. Of them, the tendency of cervical cancer to be asymptomatic for many years stands out.
Can Cervical Cancer Go Undetected?
Yes. Unfortunately, women can have cervical cancer and not know, as it does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. Another important thing to understand is that cervical cancer has a slower growth rate. While the growth rate may vary from one patient to another, it has been observed that patients can have cervical cancer for many years and not be aware of it.
Over the years, cancerous changes appear in the cervical lining, and it will take years for the obvious symptoms to appear.
Often, the symptoms start appearing when the cancer spreads to the upper vagina, which often occurs in stage 2. Abnormal bleeding is one of the first cervical cancer symptoms.
What are the Silent Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
In most cases, cervical cancer patients may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, in some cases, early-stage cervical cancer may present with subtle symptoms, which may be brushed off as symptoms associated with less serious gynecological conditions.
The following are some of the important silent symptoms of cervical cancer:
Abnormal Bleeding: Abnormal bleeding is the first and most common symptom of cervical cancer, and it is easily overlooked due to its overlap with other gynecological problems.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Women with cervical cancer also experience unusual vaginal discharge, which is often persistent.
Pelvic pain: Cervical cancer can also cause pain in the pelvic region, especially during sexual intercourse.
These symptoms can be seen in the case of various other less-serious and more common gynecological conditions. However, if they are persistent and affect your day-to-day activities, you should see a specialist for a proper evaluation.
Measures for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
It is possible to treat cervical cancer effectively if it is caught in the early stages. However, for the early detection of cervical cancer, you should follow the following measures:
Screening Regularly for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer screening is one of the first and most important steps towards cervical cancer prevention.
During the screening, the doctor will examine the cervical region for signs of cervical cancer. The commonly recommended screening tests for cervical cancer are Pap smear test, HPV testing, and colposcopy.
These tests are used to look for the presence of cervical cancer cells. If a Pap smear indicates the presence of abnormal cells, additional tests like colposcopy, biopsy, etc. may be recommended for a definitive diagnosis.
Being Aware of Cervical Cancer
You need to know the different signs of cervical cancer. Some of the commonly observed signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding after intercourse, vaginal bleeding after menopause, vaginal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge with foul odor, etc.
Seeing a Doctor When Certain Gynecological Symptoms are Experienced Persistently
In most cases, these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious gynecological conditions. However, if they last for more than two weeks and get worse over time, they should not be ignored.
In such cases, seeing a doctor for a proper evaluation helps in early detection and timely treatment.
Conclusion
Although asymptomatic and silent, cervical cancer is conquerable, provided you are aware of the different risk factors, signs, and screening tests. Along with opting for regular screening, considering HPV vaccination can help reduce cervical cancer risk significantly.
