The symptoms to look out for

The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it’s reached an advanced stage.

This is why it’s crucial that you attend all of your cervical screening appointments. In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex.

Bleeding at any other time, other than your expected monthly period, is also considered unusual. This includes bleeding after the menopause (when a woman’s monthly periods stop).

Visit your GP for advice if you experience any type of unusual vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.

If the cancer spreads out of your cervix and into surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger a range of other symptoms, including constipation, blood in your urine, loss of bladder control, bone pain, swelling of one of your legs and severe pain in your side or back caused by swelling in your kidneys, related to a condition called hydronephrosis

Look out for changes to bladder and bowel habits too, as well as loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness and a lack of energy. Vaginal bleeding is very common and can have a wide range of causes, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer.

However, unusual vaginal bleeding is a symptom that needs to be investigated by your GP.