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Topics: Cancer, Celebrity, Health, Women's Health
Ella Scott
While cervical cancer is not considered among the 20 most common types of cancer in Britain, thousands of people are still diagnosed with the cervix-based disease every single year.
And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost every case of cervical cancer is caused by infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection, can impact the skin, the throat, the genital area, and the anal area, the agency reported.
Worryingly, Cancer Research UK reports that 99.8 percent of cases are completely preventable, with people with periods being urged to have HPV vaccines and regular cervical screenings.
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One celebrity who recently revealed their stage one cervical cancer diagnosis was Nicole Polizzi, better known as Jersey Shore alum Snooki.
The 38-year-old told fans in February that she’d been diagnosed following years of ‘abnormal’ Pap smears, and that she was set to undergo a ‘scary’ hysterectomy.
“I'm not great with pain, so thinking about removing an organ is scary,” the mother-of-three explained in an interview with People Magazine.
“That's a part of being a woman and even though I'm done having kids, the thought of not being able to really upset me. It messes with you a little bit.”
Polizzi said she was diagnosed with the disease after years of Pap smears coming back with 'abnormal' results.
With doctors diagnosing around nine people every day with cervical cancer (via Cancer Research UK), it’s worth becoming acquainted with various early warning signs.
Most people with periods menstruate every 21 to 35 days, as stated by the NHS.
However, if you’re bleeding abnormally between periods, after sex, or post menopause, then this could be a red flag where cervical cancer is concerned.
Experts at the Royal Marsden also warned that you may experience heavier or longer than average periods, and that these symptoms should not be ignored.
“If a serious issue is suspected, your doctor may recommend a pelvic examination, pap smear, or additional tests, such as a colposcopy, to investigate the cause of your abnormal bleeding further,” the oncology hospital in London added.
Intercourse is not supposed to be painful - and if you’re experiencing this discomfort, also known as dyspareunia, then something may be seriously wrong.
Cancer Research UK warned that many other conditions can cause sex to be painful, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the symptom.
Instead, make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible, as they may order a cervical screening.
Unusual vaginal discharge can be categorised as anything that isn’t ‘normal’ for you. This may be a change in colour, consistency, or odour.
Ubie Health remarked that although most discharge changes are benign, there is the chance that it could be a serious symptom of cervical disease.
This is because tumour growth can erode blood vessels, causing light bleeding or blood-tinged mucus, while obstruction of cervical glands alters mucus production and consistency.
Many people with periods experience lower back pain, with some turning to painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.
The same can be said for pain in the pelvis - but you shouldn’t necessarily just write the agony off as menustration side effects.
Medics warn that pain in these areas could be a symptom of cancer, with tumour growth putting pressure on other organs or surrounding tissue.
However, pain the lower back or the pelvis may also be caused by degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis, disc disease, or spinal stenosis.
Make sure to speak to your medical provider if you’re feeling consistent twinges in these areas.