Ovarian and cervical cancer signs can disguise themselves as normal or benign conditions in the eye of an untrained professional or without the necessary tests to examine the condition further.
There are several ovarian and cervical cancer signs that you should look out for. Many are vague, or similar to other conditions, however their frequency and intensity might alarm you and direct you to see a gynecologist.
Early–stage cervical and ovarian cancer signs are in many cases non existant. The best way to catch the disease early on in both cases is to regularly visit your gynocologist for a smear test, blood test, and pelvic imaging examinations.
Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
The symptoms listed are usually evident in advanced stages.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding – after sexual intercourse, in between periods, or after menopause
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Smelly vaginal discharge
- Constipation
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary incontinence
- Bone pain
- Swelling of one of the legs or in the kidneys
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel
- Abdominal bloating
- Feeling full even with small meals
- Weight loss
- Pain in the pelvis are
- Back pain
- Need for frequent urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
The aforementioned symptoms when experienced individually may be misinterpreted as other benign conditions. If these symtoms persist for more than a couple of weeks and re-occur frequently visit your gynocologist for tests that can find the source of the symptoms.
Preparing for the gynocologist
A good way to prepare yourself for an examination is to answer the following set of questions at home. Take the answers with you to your doctors appointment. Benign symptoms are sometimes forgotten or considered unworthy mentioning but they can make all the difference in an early diagnosis.
- What symptoms are you experiencing? How severe are they? (nausea, indigestion, constipation, cramping between periods, symptoms mentioned above)
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms? Have they changed over time?
- Have you had regular Pap tests since you became sexually active? Have you ever had abnormal Pap test results in the past?
- Have you ever been treated for a cervical condition?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a STI?
- Have you ever taken medications that suppress your immune system?
- Do you or have you ever smoked? How much?
- Do you want to have children in the future?
