One of the major issues with diagnosing cervical cancer is the fact that early warning signs and symptoms of the condition are almost always negligible. Even if they are present, they often overlap with symptoms of other less-threatening medical problems. Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer hardly experience any visible signs and symptoms in the early stages. Regular screenings of the pelvic region of women are thus recommended by the American Cancer Society. The following article has some signs that must be remembered to prevent a belated visit to the doctor — further delaying diagnosis.

Early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer: What you must not ignore
Cervical cancer rarely occurs in girls below 20 years of age; it is most prevalent in middle-aged women. However, this age group often does not realize the risks involved. As many as 13,800 women are expected to be diagnosed with this cancer in 2020 and it is reported that approximately 4290 women die due to it. This makes it extremely important to be aware of the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding is perhaps the most common symptom of this cancer, whether this bleeding happens after sex, a pelvic examination, in between menstrual cycles or after menopause. This symptom is suggestive of an advanced stage and it indicates that the tumor has spread to nearby tissues.
• Very heavy periods can also be an indication that something is not right, but you need not worry if the period lasts longer than usual or is darker in color. It is, however, a cause for concern when you experience periods twice in a month, or find that one cycle lasts more than two weeks instead of the usual 4–7 days.
• Vaginal discharge that is not normal should not be taken lightly at all. When you have cervical cancer, your discharge is likely to be pink or brown in color and accompanied by a foul odor. Since masses tend to secrete fluid, you will find that you are getting a watery discharge all the time, for no apparent reason. This demands an immediate call to the gynecologist.
• Back pain, leg pain, and pain in the pelvic regions are indicators that the cervix may have gone through changes, but more often than not, they indicate that cancer could have spread to the intestines, bladder, and liver. This usually happens in the advanced stages of cervical cancer, since the cervix normally does not affect too many nerves. It is important to get your doubts cleared by the doctor.
• If you find that one leg is abnormally swollen, you should look into it. Cancers like cervical cancer are without symptoms until the pain manifests itself into other signs like pain due to nerve compression. This happens if the tumor grows and starts to make space in the surrounding region. In doing this, it can compress nerves, thereby triggering pain. When the cause is cervical cancer, such pain may be associated with swelling on one side.
• Fatigue is a common symptom for most cancers; a reason may be abnormal bleeding in the vagina that reduces the RBC and oxygen flow in the body. This makes one feel exhausted most of the time, without any apparent reason.
• A continuous feeling of nausea and indigestion may be a sign that you should not ignore. Cervical cancer causes the cervix to swell and this compresses the gastrointestinal tract, causing acid reflux in turn.
• Finally, loss of weight and reduced appetite for no reason are indicators that all is not well with your body and medical intervention is necessary. Tumors produce cytokines or proteins that not only suppress food cravings but also change metabolism and break down fats, making you lose muscle mass.