It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that over 11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year. Out of the 11,000 who are diagnosed, an estimated 3,800 will die. These are pitiful statistics for a cancer that, when caught early enough, is actually curable.
What we as women need to realize, is that cervical cancer is perhaps the slowest progressing cancer there is. The cells that are in the lining of the cervix go through three stages; normal to pre-cancerous to cancerous. This process is called dysplasia, and it can actually take place over the course of years versus weeks or months, as is the case with many other types of cancers. This is why early detection is vital to a woman's chances of survival, and the greatest test for early detection is the pap smear. This examination is generally completed on an annual basis unless abnormal cells have presented themselves, in which case your doctor may choose to have it completed more frequently.
There really are no "early" signs of cervical cancer, because once symptoms begin to present themselves in a physical manner, it generally means that the cancer has begun to spread to other area's of the body. It can also be difficult to heed the following symptoms as an impending medical condition as they quite often mimic the symptoms of PMS. However, if you begin to experience one or more of the following, it is imperative that you speak to your doctor immediately, especially if you have not recently undergone a pap smear.
ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING
This is generally the most common of all of the symptoms and it is important to keep in mind that "abnormal" can carry a different meaning for every woman. The basic definition of abnormal bleeding is however, periods that are heavier than usual which are lasting for longer than two consecutive cycles. Also, if you experience a sudden vaginal bleeding which is soaking at least one pad every hour, then you should consider it abnormal and see your doctor immediately.
BLEEDING BETWEEN CYCLES
If you have heavy spotting or experience an extra cycle in the same month, you need to see your doctor.
UNUSUAL DISCHARGE
If you notice an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge that you experience, this is a very good sign of cervical cancer. It may be a watery discharge or it may contain mucus, it may be thick, and it may be foul smelling. These are all possibilities to make yourself aware of.
PELVIC PAIN
This type of pain will not be associated with your usual cycle, and the pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain, and can last for a brief time or may last for a number of hours. You also need to be aware of any pain that you may experience during urination. Bladder pain is a symptom that shows itself once the cancer has reached the bladder and is also a symptom of advanced cervical cancer.
We, as women, have to educate ourselves if we want to consider ourselves survivors. Not only can we beat cervical cancer by knowing the symptoms of its progression and by maintaining our yearly pap smears, but we also need to realize that there are risk factors involved as well. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer among women. It is a sexually transmitted virus that one obtains by having intercourse with multiple partners, and also by not having protected intercourse. In addition, women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer, as are women who are overweight.
Cervical cancer is a disease that can be beat, we just need to arm ourselves with the knowledge it takes to defeat it. Above all else, early detection is our greatest defense. We all just need to be smart enough to use it.