Cervical cancer arises in the cervix and is primarily caused by high-risk HPV. Early stages are often symptomless, which makes screening essential. Symptoms that can occur include abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, and pain with intercourse. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, smoking, and immunosuppression. Current screening strategies use Pap tests and HPV testing (age-based), and abnormal results may prompt repeat testing or colposcopy. Early detection and HPV vaccination greatly reduce the risk of invasive disease.

Overview

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix - the lower, narrow end of the uterus. Most cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains. Thanks to screening and HPV vaccination, incidence and deaths from cervical cancer have declined in the U.S., but thousands of cases still occur each year.

Symptoms and why early detection matters

Early cervical changes and early-stage cancer are often asymptomatic. That's why screening is critical: it detects precancerous cell changes before they cause symptoms.

When symptoms do occur they may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sex, between periods, or postmenopausal)
  • Unusual or watery vaginal discharge
  • Increased bleeding during periods
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty or pain with urination
These symptoms can result from many benign conditions; they do not prove cancer. Still, persistent or unexplained signs should prompt medical evaluation.

Risk factors your clinician will consider

HPV infection is the dominant cause of cervical cancer. Other factors that raise risk or reduce the chance the body clears HPV include:

  • Multiple sexual partners or early sexual activity
  • Smoking
  • Long-term use of oral contraceptives (small increased risk)
  • Immunosuppression (for example, untreated HIV)
  • History of other sexually transmitted infections or genital warts
Telling your clinician about these risks helps guide follow-up and testing.

Screening, testing, and next steps

Routine screening detects abnormal cervical cells before they progress. Current recommended options for people aged 21-65 include:

  • Ages 21-29: cervical cytology (Pap test) every 3 years.
  • Ages 30-65: preferred options include primary HPV testing every 5 years, or co-testing (HPV + Pap) every 5 years, or Pap alone every 3 years.
If a Pap or HPV test shows abnormalities (for example, ASC-US - atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), clinicians may repeat testing, perform HPV testing, or refer for colposcopy and biopsy. Many low-grade abnormalities regress without treatment; others require closer follow-up or treatment to remove abnormal tissue.

What to do if you have symptoms or abnormal results

Don't panic. Contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and follow the recommended testing or referral. When detected early, cervical precancers and early cancers are highly treatable. HPV vaccination is also effective at preventing infections that cause most cervical cancers and is recommended for eligible adolescents and young adults.

(This article updates a 2006 piece by Caroline Gainer and reflects current screening and HPV knowledge.)

FAQs about Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

What causes most cervical cancers?
Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
What symptoms should prompt a visit to my clinician?
Seek evaluation for persistent abnormal vaginal bleeding (including after sex or postmenopausal bleeding), unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during urination or intercourse.
How often should I get screened for cervical cancer?
Screening recommendations generally are: ages 21-29, Pap test every 3 years; ages 30-65, preferred options include primary HPV testing every 5 years, co-testing (HPV + Pap) every 5 years, or Pap alone every 3 years. Follow your clinician's advice for your situation.
What does an ASC‑US result mean?
ASC-US means 'atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.' It indicates minor abnormalities that often require repeat testing, HPV testing, or colposcopy depending on age and HPV status; many ASC-US changes resolve without treatment.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Yes. Vaccination against HPV prevents the infections that cause most cervical cancers. Regular screening also detects precancerous changes so they can be treated before invasive cancer develops.

News about Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

The cervical cancer symptoms to look for after Jersey Shore star Snooki reveals diagnosis - The Independent [Visit Site | Read More]

Teacher dying of cervical cancer, 38, shares hidden sign of killer disease - Stoke-on-Trent Live [Visit Site | Read More]

Mum's cervical cancer diagnosis came months after clear smear - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Symptoms of cervical cancer as Jersey Shore star Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi shares diagnosis - tyla.com [Visit Site | Read More]