The NHS, Cancer Research UK and Mayo Clinc have all urged people to act as soon as they can
If you notice a “foul odour”, you may want to make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. The warning comes from health experts who say this could be a sign you have cancer.
Although it may seem unlikely, it is not worth ignoring and taking the risk, as the more you ignore it, the worse it could get, and the further it can spread. Talking about the smell sign, experts at the Mayo Clinic say a “foul odour” could indicate cervical cancer.
Crucially, when it starts, “cervical cancer might not cause symptoms.” But as it grows, cervical cancer might cause these signs and symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
- Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual.
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour.
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Other signs to look out for include pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.
The NHS alert people with common conditions that whilst they may get these daily, it is still worth keeping an eye on. It explains: “If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
“You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.”
What is cervical cancer?
According to the NHS: “Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix. It’s most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age.
“The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus). It’s part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
“Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. How serious it is depends on how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.”
Reduce your risk
- Regular check-ups to detect changes early.
- Immunisation to protect against the virus that often causes cancer is key, so stay up-to-date with vaccines
- Practice safe sex
- Don’t smoke
- If you do smoke, talk to a health care professional about ways to help you quit
- Surgery is often the first line of defence to physically remove the cancerous tissue.
- Drugs used to kill cancer cells may be another option. Utilising high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, also known as radiation therapy, could help too. Additionally, integrating radiation treatment with low-dose chemotherapy can enhance effectiveness.
Who is more likely to get cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age. Anyone with a cervix can get it.
You cannot get cervical cancer if you’ve had surgery to remove your womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).
You might also be more likely to get cervical cancer if:
- you have a weakened immune system, like if you have HIV or AIDS
- you have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)
- your mother took the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you – your GP can discuss these risks with you
- you’ve had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the past
- you smoke
- you’ve taken the contraceptive pill for more than 5 years – this only slightly increases your risk and for many people the benefits of taking it outweigh the risks
Two types of cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cervical cancer begins in thin, flat cells, called squamous cells. The squamous cells line the outer part of the cervix. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped gland cells that line the cervical canal.
Experts at the Mayo Clinic note: “Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.”
Remember and always make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. For support, please visit Cancer Research UK here.
