Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, sending signals — sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious — that something needs attention. Too often, we brush off discomfort, writing it off as nothing to worry about. And sometimes, even when we’re paying attention, our healthcare providers don’t take our concerns seriously. A nagging pain, a missed period — it’s all too easily dismissed as “normal.”
But when it comes to cervical cancer, it’s crucial to be proactive. In this post, we’re highlighting the top signs of cervical cancer you shouldn’t ignore. When you know the signs and document your symptoms, you can best provide your doctor with a full picture of your health. And if you’re symptom-free? Great — we have some advice on routine cervical screening, too.
1. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Menstruation itself is not a cause for concern. But if you have a regular cycle, it’s important to track other bleeding scenarios:
Spotting Between Periods: A little unexpected spotting here and there may not seem like a big deal, but if it’s happening regularly, it’s worth checking out.
Bleeding After Sex: While not always a cause for concern, bleeding after sex can sometimes indicate changes in the cervix that need further exploration.
Bleeding After Menopause: If you’ve already transitioned out of your periods (one-year from your last period is the medical standard) and notice any bleeding, no matter how light, it’s important to let your doctor know.
2. Heavier or Longer Periods
We all have our baseline for what’s “normal” during our periods. If your flow suddenly changes, becoming much heavier or lasting longer than usual, it’s worth taking note.
Changes like these don’t always point to cervical cancer; they can also be caused by hormonal shifts (including perimenopause), fibroids, or other conditions. However, because cervical cancer can sometimes cause abnormalities in the uterine lining or cervix, these symptoms should never be ignored.
It’s also helpful to track your periods. Apps or good old-fashioned calendars can help you notice patterns or changes over time, making it easier to share clear information with your doctor.
3. Pelvic Pain
Cramps are one thing, but persistent pain in your pelvic region or lower back that doesn’t align with your usual cycle could be your body’s way of asking for attention. When it comes to your cervical health, it’s important to pay attention to how it feels and when it shows up.
What it Feels Like: This pain might present as a dull ache, a sharp twinge, or even pressure in your lower abdomen or pelvis. It can range from mild discomfort to something more persistent and noticeable.
When it Happens: Pelvic pain related to cervical cancer is often chronic, meaning it doesn’t improve with time or over-the-counter pain relief. Other symptoms, like unusual bleeding or changes in discharge might also accompany it.
While pelvic pain can be caused by many things — like menstrual cramps, ovulation, endometriosis, or even stress — it’s a good idea to take note if the pain feels different from what you’ve experienced before.
4. Pain During Sex
Discomfort or pain during sexual activities might be related to cervical changes. Don’t be afraid to bring this up with your doctor — it’s part of taking care of yourself.
Penetrative Sex: Discomfort or pain during penetration — whether it’s vaginal or cervical — can sometimes be linked to cervical irritation, inflammation, or changes. This could happen with a partner, a toy, or even during a pelvic exam.
Post-Sex Pain: You might not feel discomfort during the act but notice soreness, spotting, or pain afterward. That’s another sign worth paying attention to.
Other Sensations: While cervical cancer symptoms are often related to penetrative activities, any pain during sexual activity, even without penetration, is worth discussing if it feels unusual or persistent.
Of course, there are other reasons sex might be painful — like endometriosis, pelvic floor tension, or infections — and your doctor can help narrow it down.
5. Unexplained Discharge
Vaginal discharge is one of the ways your body keeps itself healthy—it’s like a natural cleansing system. But when discharge suddenly changes in color, texture, smell, or amount without explanation, it might be a sign that something’s off.
Not all discharge is a cause for concern, but here are some changes to watch out for:
Color Changes: If your discharge becomes yellow, green, brown, or streaked with blood (outside of your period), it’s worth taking note.
Consistency: A sudden shift to watery, frothy, or thick and clumpy discharge that feels different from your usual patterns might be a red flag.
Odor: While discharge can have a slight scent, a strong or unpleasant smell could signal an issue.
Unexplained discharge can have various causes, many of which are not serious — like hormonal fluctuations, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis. However, discharge that doesn’t resolve or that’s accompanied by other symptoms (like pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or discomfort during sex) could be linked to cervical changes, including those caused by cervical cancer.
Tracking your discharge can be incredibly helpful. Use a journal or app to note changes—like color, consistency, and odor — and whether they align with your menstrual cycle.
6. Fatigue That Feels Different
Fatigue is one of those symptoms that can feel easy to overlook. Life gets busy, stress piles up, and it’s tempting to chalk up tiredness to not getting enough sleep or just doing too much. But when fatigue lingers — especially when it feels disproportionate to your daily routine — it could be your body’s way of signaling that something deeper is going on, especially if you’re feeling:
Low energy or completely drained.
Unable to focus or think clearly.
Unmotivated to do things you usually enjoy.
Fatigue related to cervical cancer is often the result of your body working overtime to fight inflammation or respond to abnormal cell growth. Other contributing factors might include:
Blood Loss: If cervical changes lead to heavier or prolonged periods, it can cause anemia, leaving you feeling extra tired.
Immune System Response: Your body may be directing energy toward managing internal changes, which can drain your energy reserves.
7. Unexplained Weight Loss
A change in weight that isn’t tied to lifestyle choices or stress could be a sign to dig deeper. While weight can naturally fluctuate, losing weight without trying, unexplained weight loss refers to losing a noticeable amount of weight (typically over 5% of your body weight within 6 months) without changing your eating habits or activity levels.
In cases of cervical cancer, unexplained weight loss can result from several factors:
Metabolic Changes: Cancer cells can alter your body’s metabolism, causing you to burn more calories than usual.
Loss of Appetite: Tumors or inflammation might impact digestion or appetite, leading to reduced food intake.
Energy Drain: Your body may use more energy fighting abnormal cell growth, leaving fewer resources for maintaining weight.
Sudden weight loss isn’t something to ignore. While it could stem from stress, hormonal shifts, or other less serious causes, it’s worth discussing with your doctor if tt happens without effort or explanation, it's paired with other changes in your body, or you feel fatigued, weak, or unwell.
8. Swelling in the Legs
Swelling in the legs, also known as edema, can sometimes be overlooked or written off as something minor — like standing too long or sitting in one position. But when it’s persistent or unexplained, it might be your body signaling something more, including changes related to your cervical health.
Leg swelling looks and feels like:
Visible Swelling: Your legs, ankles, or feet might appear puffier than usual, sometimes unevenly.
Tightness or Heaviness: Swelling can make your skin feel tight, or your legs may feel heavier or harder to move.
Indentation: Pressing on the swollen area might leave a temporary dent.
Discomfort: You might feel aching, tenderness, or warmth in the affected area.
Leg swelling can have many causes, but in the context of cervical cancer, it might occur due to:
Blocked Lymphatic System: Cervical cancer can press against or block lymph nodes in the pelvis, preventing fluid from draining properly and causing swelling.
Blood Clots: Advanced cervical changes can increase the risk of clots, which might block blood flow and lead to swelling.
9. Frequent or Painful Urination
If nature is calling more often than usual, or when urinating feels uncomfortable, it could be a sign that something deeper is going on, including potential cervical health concerns.
Some urinary changes to take note of are:
Frequent Urination: Feeling like you need to pee all the time, even if your bladder isn’t full.
Pain or Burning: Discomfort or a burning sensation while urinating, often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Difficulty Emptying the Bladder: Struggling to fully empty your bladder or experiencing a weak urine stream.
Blood in Urine: Noticing pink or reddish discolouration in your urine.
Frequent or painful urination can be linked to UTIs, bladder infections, or other manageable issues. However, if these symptoms persist despite treatment, or they occur alongside the other symptoms listed, get it checked out.
10. Persistent Lower Back Pain
When lower back pain becomes a constant companion, especially if it’s new or more intense than usual, it might be your body telling you to pay attention to something deeper, like changes in your cervical health.
Constant or Recurring Pain: Feeling discomfort in your lower back that doesn’t go away with rest, or keeps coming back over time.
Radiating Pain: The pain may radiate from your lower back to your hips, legs, or pelvis.
Pain That Worsens with Certain Activities: Activities like standing for long periods, walking, or bending over might increase the discomfort.
Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If you’re also experiencing pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or changes in discharge, it’s worth noting the connection.
How Does Cervical Cancer Happen?
The number one cause of cervical cancer is HPV, which can be transmitted sexually and orally (including deep kissing). Your best defense is the HPV vaccine — for both women and men — to stop the spread. Some sources say that if you contract HPV that it leaves your body in a couple of years. Though other sources say the virus may remain dormant for decades, meaning that even if you’re in a committed monogamous relationship, you should still get your regular pap smear.
Please note! Having HPV does not mean you will get cervical cancer. And you don’t have to have HPV to get cervical cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, HIV, and prolonged use of contraceptive medication.
Do tampons cause cervical cancer? There is no evidence of that the chemicals found in tampons cause cancer. While a study out of Berkley University came out in 2024 that cancer-causing chemicals have been detected in mainstream tampons, it has not yet been shown to be a cause for concern. In 2023, titanium dioxide found in tampons was trending on social media as another cause for concern. While these concerns have not been scientifically validated, using toxin-free organic tampons and pads may put your mind at rest, especially ones that have undergone certified testing. At the end of the day, the choice of yours.
Don’t wait for signs! Take an ounce of prevention instead.
Taking charge of your health starts with staying informed and being proactive. Regular screening is one of the most powerful ways to catch changes early, giving you the best chance for effective treatment and peace of mind. Cervical cancer screening, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can help detect abnormal cells or infections before they develop into something more serious.
Take this as a gentle nudge to schedule regular check-ups, follow up on any irregular results, and discuss your health concerns with your doctor. And always advocate for yourself. Because you — and your health — are worth it.
This article provides researched information from reputable sources, but it should not be taken as medical advice. Do you have any concerns? Don't shrug it off. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.
Sources:
Cancer.org: Cervical Cancer - Causes, Risks, Prevention, and What Causes
Government of Canada: Cervical Cancer
Cancer Care Ontario: Types of Cancers - Cervical Cancer
National Cancer Institute: What is Cervical Cancer
World Health Organizaiton: IARC Marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025
HPV Global Action: Cervical Cancers Surge in Canada
BC Women's Foundation: Self Screening for Cervical Cancer