Some of the early warning signs of cervical cancer such as spotting in between menstrual periods, unusual discharge, abnormal smell from the discharge, and physical discomfort through sexual intercourse are some conditions that women are almost always reluctant to talk about openly.

When diagnosed through its early warning signs, cervical cancer in its early stages can be cured with the help of surgical treatments. However, women need to be aware of the condition and its preventive methods and treatment options. This will ensure proper treatment conditions. The different questions that may come up about cervical cancer are as follows:

What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?
Some of the symptoms that can count as warning signs for cervical cancer are postmenopausal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharges, spotting that occurs in between menstrual cycles, pain through sexual intercourse, bleeding after a pelvic exam or through and after sex, and an increased or extended menstrual cycle in a month. Discharge, spotting, and bleeding, however, are the most common symptoms noticed and should be reported to a gynecologist immediately.

What happens through a pelvic test?
During a pelvic examination, a speculum is used to visualize the cervix and vagina. Through this test, the gynecologist might also use a swab that can be used as a sample for a Pap and HPV test. These tests are performed to diagnose any abnormalities which might point towards developing cervical cancer. A colonoscopy might also be performed to provide a magnified view of the cervix through a pelvic exam. In addition to that, there are procedures, such as biopsy and cone biopsy. These procedures remove a small sample of tissue from the cervix and a small tissue sample in the shape of a cone, respectively. These tests are used to find any early warning signs of cervical cancer.

What are the different risk factors that worsen the early warning signs of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is transmitted through sexually transmitted infections. This is why both men and women can contract this virus. HPV can lead to the development of several other conditions, such as anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. Sexually active women can be at risk of developing cervical cancer. In addition to that, if any woman is also suffering from immune system conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, then the odds of being affected by cervical cancer are high.

When should the screening be done?
Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should get a Pap smear done every 3 years. Similarly, women between 30 and 65 years should get a Pap test done every 3 years along and a HPV testing every 5 years. With adequate screening history, women above 65 years of age don’t need any additional screening. Women below 21 years wouldn’t need any screening either.