The cervix is the lower end of the uterus which connects to the vagina and cancer that occurs in this organ is called cervical cancer. 90% of the cases of this condition are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It is easy to ignore certain early signs as they are easily confused with the symptoms of other conditions, which can lead to fatal consequences. Here are a few early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer that you should know about. If you find your body exhibiting one or more of them, get yourself checked with your gynecologist right away.

• Abnormal bleeding and menstrual cycles
  Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. However, most healthy women bleed between 2-5 days and the bleeding is the heaviest in the beginning and slowly reduces towards the end. If you notice a sudden change in your menstrual cycle which includes weeks of bleeding, heavy bleeding, or bleeding between your usual cycle, consider this to be one of the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. While this could also mean other conditions such as PCOD, it is always safer to discuss it with your doctor.
• Bleeding and pain during sexual intercourse
  Many women bleed slightly and experience pain during the first few times of sexual intercourse. This, however, should not happen with women who have had an active sexual life for several years. Cervical tumors can spread all through the tissues around the vagina and the reproductive organs. This is what causes the pain and it is a vital early warning sign and symptom of cervical cancer you should look out for.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  Vaginal flow ranges from transparent fluids to white discharge. These, however, do not smell bad or appear brown or black in color. When some of the cervical cancer cells die due to the lack of oxygen, they may trickle out as discharge and this creates a foul-smelling, black, brown, or reddish discharge that needs to be checked immediately.
• Unexplained weight loss
  This early warning sign and symptom of cervical cancer is, in fact, a common sign of all kinds of cancer. In spite of the quantity of food you consume, if you are losing weight, you need to make an appointment with your doctor/gynecologist right away.
• Acute lower back pain
  While lower back pain can occur due to various reasons, it can also mean the spread of the cancer cells. If you experience acute and continuous pain in your lower back or the pelvic region, it would be a good idea to get yourself checked to rule out cervical cancer before you start other forms of treatments such as pain medication and physiotherapy.

Opting for the HPV vaccine early on will help prevent cervical cancer to a large extent. Apart from this, practicing safe sex is considered a vital prevention mechanism. By quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake, you can reduce your risk of developing tumors in the cervix. Look out for these early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and do not hesitate to talk to your gynecologist if you notice any changes in your body.