Cervical cancer screening, also known as a smear test, is incredibly important as it's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from the cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Finding abnormal changes early is vital so they don't have a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
The five-year survival rate for people with cervical cancer is 66%, according to Cancer Research UK. However, survival rates can vary by factors such as race, ethnicity, and age.
As with all cancers, early detection is key. However, if the cancer has advanced, it's important to be aware of the symptoms – two of which may be found in the legs.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early symptoms warning of cervical cancer can include:
- Bleeding from your vagina when you have already been through menopause
- Pain during sex and bleeding from your vagina afterwards
- Bleeding from your vagina in between your periods
- Unusual discharge from your vagina
- Your period is heavier or lasts longer than usual.
For symptoms warning the cancer has advanced, leg pain and swelling may be evident, warns the Royal Women’s hospital.
Excessive tiredness and lower back pain are other symptoms to be aware of.
When a tumour in the pelvic region such as cervical cancer presses up against the pelvic was pressure on the nerves occurs causing the leg to experience either pain or swelling or both.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
“HPV is very common and 80 per cent of women will have it at some point in their lives,” says the Royal Women’s hospital.
It added: “Almost always – 95% of the time – your immune system clears it naturally.
“But if your body doesn’t clear it, some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer.”
The difficulty with HPV is that there are no symptoms, further fuelling the importance of having regular Cervical Screening tests.
Other possible causes
For people with irregular periods as a result of conditions like Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, they may experience symptoms like pain and unusual bleeding often.
It’s important to assess whether those symptoms are becoming more severe, or seem unusual compared to what you’re used to.
The NHS said: “It's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.”
Fertility
A diagnosis of cervical cancer may bring concerns about if or how treatment may affect sexual function and the ability to have children, called fertility.
Topics such as this should be discussed with your healthcare provider before treatment begins.
“If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options, including whether or not each could affect your unborn child,” says Cancer.net.
The health charity continued: “Treatment may be able to be delayed until after the baby is born.”
