Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. The most common symptom as it develops is abnormal bleeding.
Do not ignore symptoms, even if you have had a recent normal screening result.
Abnormal bleeding can include:
- irregular vaginal bleeding
- bleeding between periods
- vaginal spotting or unusual discharge
- bleeding when you have gone through the menopause (post-menopausal bleeding)
- bleeding after sex
Other symptoms can include:
- Leg pain or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of bladder control
- Constant tiredness
Unexplained pelvic or back pain are also possible symptoms, although there can be many other causes for these.
Having these symptoms does not definitely mean you have cervical cancer. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
What happens at the GP appointment
The GP may ask to examine you.
You can ask for a female doctor when you book your appointment.
You’ll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You’ll be given a sheet to put over you.
Then the GP may:
- look at the outside of your vagina (vulva)
- feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)
- gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see your cervix
- take a small sample of cells from your cervix using a soft brush
It should not be painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP if you’re feeling uncomfortable.
You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your exam if you want.
Referral to a specialist
The GP or practice nurse may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital. They will do this if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.
Resources:
https://myprofile.thisisgo.ie/articles/symptoms-risk-factors-and-diagnosis-of-cervical-cancer/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cervical-cancer/overview/