The signs of cervical cancer you need to know
Cervical cancer can affect women at any age, but being aware of the signs can make all the difference. It’s estimated that 1,030 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer across Australia this year. But the good news is that the five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is high at 75.5%. Thanks to the National Cervical Screening Program and in-school immunisations, rates of cervical cancer dropped significantly.
The key to effective treatment is early detection, so let’s unpack the early signs of cervical cancer and why early dedication is so important.
Types of cervical cancer
There are two main types of cervical cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma: The most common type, making up about 70% of cases according to the Cancer Council. It starts in the squamous cells that line the outer surface of the cervix.
Adenocarcinoma: Less common and harder to diagnose, it develops in the glandular cells located higher up in the cervix.
Cervical cancer can spread to nearby tissues and even further, to the lymph nodes, lungs or liver. That’s why catching it early is crucial.
What are early signs of cervical cancer?
Early-stage cervical cancer often doesn’t have symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important. Cervical screenings help catch any changes to your cervix early.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
The Cancer Council explains that signs of cervical cancer are rare, but when symptoms do occur they may include:
Heavier periods or periods that last longer than usual
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pelvic pain
Unusual vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding between periods, after menopause, or during or after sexual intercourse
What are the signs of advanced cervical cancer?
In more advanced cases, you may experience:
Excessive tiredness
Leg pain or swelling
Low back pain
These symptoms can be due to a host of other health conditions, so it’s recommended that you see your GP as soon as you notice any of them to rule out cervical cancer.
How do I know if my symptoms are normal?
Your body is unique, and ‘normal’ can look different for everyone. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's a good idea to get them checked out. And remember, you can always choose to get screened more regularly than every five years if you feel it's necessary. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.
Are there any risk factors for cervical cancer?
There are risk factors that can increase your chances of getting cervical cancer. These include:
Sexual activity
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. The virus can clear up on its own, but if it doesn’t, it can lead to cancer. Fortunately, the National Immunisation Program provides the HPV vaccine to school children between the ages of 12-13, so that they are protected before becoming sexually active.
Smoking
The chemicals in tobacco can damage the cells of the cervix, increasing the risk of cancer. If smoking is a concern for you or someone you love, check out our article How I successfully quit: Three ex-smokers share their stories for real-life tips and tricks on quitting.
Long-term use of the pill
Using contraceptive pills for five years or more may increase the risk of cervical cancer; however, this risk decreases quickly once you stop taking the pill.
Low immune system
A weakened immune system is less able to fight off any HPV that may cause cervical cancer.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
If you’ve been exposed to DES, which is an artificial form of the female hormone oestrogen, you should have Cervical Screening Tests and colposcopic exams of the cervix and vagina each year. Talk to your GP for more information if you’re in this group.
Screening is key to picking up early changes in your cervix
Routine cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer. New tests (which you can access through your GP or local women’s health centre) offer even higher detection rates than the old Pap test or Pap smears. This is because they detect HPV rather than simply looking for cell changes in the cervix.
Why is this important? Although many of us will contract the HPV at some point in our lives (and often without us even knowing it), the problem arises if your body doesn’t clear the HPV infection, as this can then cause changes to cells in your cervix and (in rare cases) develop into cervical cancer.
How often should you have a cervical screening test?
The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that women aged 25-74 have a cervical screening test every five years. Whether you identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex, the Cancer Council recommends that if you have a cervix, you should have regular cervical screening tests - HPV can be spread through any kind of sexual activity, not just intercourse.
Cervical cancer by life stage
As women, you experience a lot of physical and hormonal changes throughout your life that can impact your relationship with cervical cancer, such as:
In your 20s: you’re likely to be sexually active and may be on the pill, so this is when you should start having regular screenings.
In your 30s-40s: this is the age demographic with the highest rates of invasive cervical cancer. This is likely because infections like HPV can take a long time to develop into cancer cells. Other changes, such as pregnancy, can also affect your menstrual cycle and make it harder to spot potential symptoms.
When you go through menopause: while this can happen at any age, menopause can impact cervical cell changes and make it harder to detect in screenings.
Nervous about getting tested?
Cervical screenings might feel uncomfortable, but you don’t have to see a doctor for this. I eligible, you can use a self-collected test for HPV. For more information, visit the Government’s self-collection page.
Early detection of cervical cancer is easy and the treatment is highly successful. So, if you’ve been putting off that appointment, it’s time to book it in.
Need help?
If you’re finding it hard to see your GP, you can book an online consultation with our partner hub.health or a telehealth consultation in the nib App. A clinician will be able to order a cervical screening kit, guide you through the process, and answer any questions. While you’re at it, why not check if you’re due for any other health checks?
In your 20s? Find out more with our article Health checks in your 20s.
In your 30s? Here’s our guide on Health checks in your 30s.
In your 40s? There’s a dedicated article on The Check Up, Health checks in your 40s.
In your 50s? Check out Health checks in your 50s.
The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.