Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. According to a report by Prescriptec, approximately 127,526 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and around 77,000 women lose their lives.

Although cervical cancer is highly treatable if detected early, many women do not recognize the early signs of cervical cancer in females. Early-stage cervical cancer often causes few or no symptoms. Also, due to a lack of awareness and limited access to regular screening, nearly 60% to 70% of Indian women are diagnosed at the last stage.

Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). You can prevent it through vaccination and detect it early through regular screening.

In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of cervical cancer in females, its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and when you should seek medical advice.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix. It is the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.

Mostly, cervical cancer develops slowly over many years. Before cancer forms, the cells go through abnormal changes, which are known as precancerous changes. These changes can be detected early through regular screening, and cervical cancer can often be prevented.

One of the main reasons why cervical cancer is considered preventable is that the precancerous changes can be detected through Pap smear tests and HPV testing.

Recognizing the signs of cervical cancer in females—such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse—can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The most common cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that spreads through sexual contact. In most people, the immune system prevents the virus from causing any harm. However, in some women, the infection persists for several years and may eventually lead to precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix.

Certain high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for causing cervical cancer. Not all HPV infections cause cervical cancer.

Several other factors can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, including:

• Smoking
• A weakened immune system (such as HIV infection)
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Becoming sexually active at an early age
• Long-term use of oral contraceptive pills (in some women)
• Having multiple full-term pregnancies
• A family history of cervical cancer
• Not attending regular cervical cancer screening

Having one or more of these factors doesn’t mean that you will definitely get cervical cancer.

Who Is at Risk of Cervical Cancer?

Although any woman with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, some women have a higher risk than others.

You may be at a higher risk if you:

• Have a persistent infection with high-risk HPV.
• Have never had a Pap smear or HPV screening test.
• Smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products.
• Have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV or medications that suppress the immune system.
• Became sexually active at an early age.
• Have had multiple sexual partners or have a partner with multiple previous partners.
• Have given birth to three or more children.
• Have used oral contraceptive pills for several years (your healthcare professional can help you understand your individual risk).
• Have a family history of cervical cancer.

Signs of Cervical Cancer in Females

The early stage of cervical cancer often causes no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, women may experience one or more signs of cervical cancer in females.

1. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the earliest and most common signs of cervical cancer in females.

This may include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Menstrual periods that are heavier or last longer than usual

It is important to note that abnormal vaginal bleeding is not always mean cancer, but it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

2. Unusual Vaginal Discharge

Unusual vaginal discharge is another common signs of cervical cancer in females.

The discharge may:

• Be watery
• Contain blood
• Have a foul smell
• Be heavier than normal

3. Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Experiencing pain during or after sexual intercourse may occur when cervical cancer affects the tissues of the cervix.

Although pain during sex can have many causes, you should definitely consult a doctor.

4. Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain that is not related to your menstrual cycle may also be one of the signs of cervical cancer in females.

The pain may be persistent or come and go, and can gradually become more noticeable as the disease progresses.

5. Pain During Urination

If the cancer progresses, it may affect the nearby tissues, causing pain while urinating.

Some women may also notice:

• Difficulty passing urine
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Blood in the urine (in advanced cases)

These symptoms can also be of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

6. Pain During Bowel Movements

As mentioned earlier, if the disease progresses, it may affect the nearby tissues, which can cause discomfort during bowel movements.

Some women may experience:

• Pain while passing stools
• Constipation
• A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying

7. Lower Back Pain

Persistent lower back pain is another possible signs of cervical cancer in females, particularly if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.

The pain may:

• Be continuous or intermittent
• Radiate to the hips or legs
• Gradually worsen over time

Lower back pain has many possible causes but when it occurs alongside abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, medical evaluation is important.

8. Swelling of One or Both Legs

When cervical cancer advances, it may press on nearby lymph nodes or blood vessels, reducing normal blood and lymphatic drainage.

This can lead to:

• Swelling in one or both legs
• A feeling of heaviness
• Leg pain

9. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss should never be ignored.Many women with advanced cervical cancer experience unexplained weight loss

10. Loss of Appetite

Some women notice a reduced desire to eat as cervical cancer progresses.

Loss of appetite, especially when combined with fatigue, weight loss, or persistent pelvic pain, should be medically evaluated.

How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

If your healthcare professionals suspect cervical cancer, they may ask you to get one or more tests done.

1. Medical History

Your healthcare professional will ask about:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Previous Pap smear or HPV test results
• Menstrual history
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Smoking history
• HPV vaccination status

2. Pelvic Examination

Your healthcare professional may examine your pelvic, cervix, vagina, uterus, and nearby organs for any abnormal changes or growths.

This examination helps in identifying visible abnormalities.

3. Pap Smear (Pap Test)

A pap smear is one of the most effective tests for cervical screening.

During the procedure, a sample of cells is collected from the cervix and examined to detect abnormal or precancerous cells.

A Pap smear helps identify precancerous cell changes, making it one of the best tools for prevention.

4. HPV Test

An HPV test checks for high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases.

5. Colposcopy

When the results of the pap smear and HPV test are not normal, your doctor may recommend colposcopy.

During this procedure, a special instrument called a colposcope is used to closely examine the cervix under magnification.

6. Cervical Biopsy

If an abnormality is detected during a colposcopy, a biopsy may be performed.

A small sample of cervical tissue is taken and examined in a laboratory to determine whether cancer or precancerous changes are present.

Biopsy confirms the diagnosis of cervical cancer.

7. Imaging Tests

If cervical cancer is confirmed, additional imaging tests may be recommended to determine whether the cancer has spread.

These may include:

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan
• Chest X-ray (in selected cases)

Stages of Cervical Cancer

After the cancer is diagnosed, it is classified into.

Stage I

Cancer is limited to the cervix.

Treatment at this stage is often highly successful, and the chances of recovery are excellent when detected early.

Stage II

Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but has not reached the pelvic wall or the lower part of the vagina.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Stage III

Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall, lower vagina, or nearby lymph nodes.

More intensive treatment is usually required.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum, or to distant parts of the body like the lungs, liver, or bones.

Treatment at this stage focuses on controlling the disease, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life

Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer

Treatment of cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as:

• The stage of the cancer
• Your age
• Overall health
• Whether you wish to have children in the future

1. Surgery

2. Radiation Therapy

3. Chemotherapy

4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but it can be prevented.

Taking the following steps can significantly reduce your risk.

1. Get the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types that cause most cases of cervical cancer.

HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV; it is usually recommended during adolescence.

You should consult your healthcare professional to determine whether the HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.

2. Attend Regular Cervical Cancer Screening

Regular screening can detect abnormal cervical cells before they develop into cancer.

Depending on your age and local screening guidelines, your healthcare professional may recommend:

• Pap smear (Pap test)
• HPV test
• Both tests together (co-testing)

3. Safer Sex

HPV spreads through sexual contact. Practicing safer sex can reduce the risk of HPV infection.

4. Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer by making it harder for the immune system to clear HPV infections.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it is foul-smelling or blood-stained
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Swelling in one or both legs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the first signs of cervical cancer in females?

The first signs of cervical cancer in females include abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse.

2. Can cervical cancer be cured?

Yes. Cervical cancer is often highly treatable, especially when diagnosed in its early stages. Regular screening plays an important role in early detection.

3. What causes cervical cancer?

Most cervical cancers are caused by a persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Smoking, a weakened immune system, and not attending regular cervical cancer screening can further increase the risk.

4. At what age is cervical cancer most common?

Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between 35 and 44 years of age, although it can occur at other ages.

5. Can young women get cervical cancer?

Yes. Although cervical cancer is more common in middle-aged women, younger women can also develop it, particularly if they have persistent high-risk HPV infection.

6. Does HPV always cause cervical cancer?

No. Most HPV infections clear naturally without causing any health problems.

Only persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types may lead to cervical cancer over several years.

7. Is cervical cancer preventable?

Yes. HPV vaccination, regular Pap smear or HPV screening, avoiding smoking, and timely treatment of abnormal cervical cells can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

8. Does cervical cancer affect fertility?

Early-stage cervical cancer treatments may preserve fertility in some women. However, more advanced treatments may affect the ability to become pregnant.

Women who wish to have children should discuss fertility-preserving treatment options with their healthcare professional before starting treatment.

You can also check out 12 early symptoms of breast cancer very women should know.