The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage. This is why it’s very important for you to attend your screening appointments for a cervical smear test.
Unusual bleeding
In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex.
Bleeding at any other time, other than your expected monthly period, is also considered to be unusual.
This includes bleeding after the menopause (when a woman’s monthly periods stop).
If you have any type of unusual vaginal bleeding, visit your GP for advice (see below).
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
- pain in and around your vagina when having sex
- an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
- pain when passing urine
Advanced cervical cancer
If the cancer spreads out of your cervix and into surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger a range of other symptoms, including:
- constipation
- blood in your urine (haematuria)
- loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)
- bone pain
- swelling of one of your legs
- swelling of one or both kidneys, which can become misshapen due to a build-up of urine, and cause severe pain in your side or back; this type of swelling is known as hydronephrosis
- changes to your bowel and bladder habits
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- tiredness and lack of energy
When to seek medical advice
It is recommended that you contact your GP if you experience:
- bleeding after having sex (post-coital bleeding)
- bleeding outside of your normal periods
- new bleeding after the menopause
Vaginal bleeding is very common and can have a range of causes, so it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer.
However, despite being common, unusual vaginal bleeding is a symptom that needs to be investigated by your GP.
Discharge: Discharge is when a liquid such as pus oozes from a part of your body.
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Symptoms of cervical cancer
