Cervical Cancer

A person may not have any symptoms until the cells turn into cancer and invade the deepest parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs. These symptoms include: 

• Vaginal discharge 

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding 

• Vaginal odor 

• Pain 

Cervical cancer usually affects patients between the ages of 30 and 55 but remember it can affect any person with a cervix who has not been screened in a long time or has symptoms. Be sure you are up to date on your testing and encourage others to do the same.

When a woman experiences concerning symptoms, a pelvic exam, including a rectovaginal exam, and a general physical should be performed. If the exam is abnormal, the woman might be advised to undergo extra testing such as a more specific HPV test, a colposcopy (observing the cervix through a magnifying scope), and a biopsy, depending on the results of the colposcopy. If cervical cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist.