Signs & Symptoms of Uterine and Cervical Cancer

Abnormal cell growth in the human body causes cancer. Both uterine and cervical cancers are found in the reproductive system of women and are known as gynecologic cancers. Uterine cancer occurs in the uterus, a pear-shaped organ where the fetus develops during pregnancy. Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, which is the narrow end of the uterus connected to the vagina. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer found in women.

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

• Any occurrence of abnormal vaginal bleeding may be a sign of uterine cancer. This includes postmenopausal bleeding, extended menstrual periods, bleeding between menstrual periods, and bleeding after sexual activity. This may be accompanied by pelvic pain or a feeling of heaviness in the uterine area. It is important to remember that abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain may be a sign of a different problem and must be diagnosed by a medical professional.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are generally non-existent in the early stages. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge may become present as the disease progresses. This includes bleeding between menstrual periods as well as bleeding during or after intercourse. Pelvic pain and discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse may also be present. Because there are no symptoms in the early stages of this disease, it is important to have regular health screenings performed if you are sexually active. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by a sexually transmitted virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Uterine Cancer Risk Factors

• There is currently no way to know if a woman will develop uterine cancer, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are several factors that may influence the development of this disease. This includes obesity, women 50 years of age or older, usage of the medications Tamoxifen or estrogen, experiencing less than five menstrual periods in one year prior to menopause, and difficulty getting pregnant.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

• Certain factors in a woman’s life may predict a higher risk for cervical cancer, including a high number of sexual partners, participating in sexual activity at an early age, a weakened immune system, and cigarette smoking. Also, contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea or syphilis increases the chances of contracting HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. Regular screenings can indicate the existence of HPV and determine if cervical cancer is present. It is important to remember that some women may have HPV present but not develop cervical cancer.