The short answer
Early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, and unusual discharge. Screening with Pap and HPV tests can find changes before cancer develops.
Early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including after sex, can be a sign.
Unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain can occur.
Screening with Pap and HPV tests can find changes before cancer develops.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most common.
Possible signs
Symptoms, when present, can include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding — between periods, after sex, or after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
Screening finds it early
The Pap test and HPV test can find abnormal cervical cells before they become cancer, or find cancer early. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV, and the HPV vaccine lowers the risk.
Screening can find cervical changes before they ever become cancer.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, or unusual discharge, and keep up with recommended cervical screening.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What are the symptoms?
Early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms. When they occur, signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), unusual discharge, or pelvic pain.
▸How is cervical cancer found early?
Screening with the Pap test and HPV test can find abnormal cervical cells before they become cancer, or find cancer early when it is very treatable.
▸What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus). The HPV vaccine lowers the risk.
▸When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor for abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, or unusual discharge, and keep up with recommended screening.
Questions to ask your doctor
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