• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • COVID-19
  • Find A Doctor
  • Subscribe
Home / Health Conditions / Cervical Cancer / Subtle Signs of Cervical Cancer Every Woman Needs to Know

Subtle Signs of Cervical Cancer Every Woman Needs to Know

African American woman holding stomach laying in bed

Cervical cancer affects thousands of women per year. Unfortunately, the early signs of the disease can be so subtle that many women ignore them until it’s in the later stages. While treatment is still possible at advanced stages, it can be more invasive and complicated.

That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize the early signs and act quickly. 

Possible Early Signs of Cervical Cancer

The early signs of cervical cancer can often be attributed to other disorders, stress, or being overworked.

You May Also Like
9 Things that Happen to Your Body When You Drink Pineapple Water

However, if you experience any of these signs, it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor as soon as possible. 

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding – Women who experience abnormal bleeding between periods, after having sex, after going through menopause, or after undergoing a routine pelvic exam should be concerned about cervical cancer.
  • Unexplained pelvic pain – While the menstrual cycle may cause cramping, the pelvic pain from cervical cancer usually has no obvious cause. 
  • An unexplained discharge – If you’re seeing a discharge that is watery and has a foul smell, this is a sure sign that something is wrong. Even if cervical cancer is not the cause, any strange discharge deserves to be investigated. 
  • Chronic fatigue – It’s true that being tired all the time can be caused by different illnesses and most physicians don’t readily associate this with cervical cancer. However, if you’re constantly exhausted, it’s worth it to find out why. 
  • Pain with sexual intercourse – It’s important to pay attention to this sign at its earliest onset. By the time it gets bad enough to significantly affect your sex life, the disease would have likely started to spread. 
  • Bowel movement changes – There’s no need to get concerned if these changes last for less than a week but if they persist, give your doctor a call. 
  • Painful urination – If you have a burning or stinging feeling while urinating, it’s more likely to be a sign of cervical cancer than anything else. 
  • Changes in the menses – When menstrual periods become heavier or longer, it’s possible that cervical cancer is the cause. Check this one out as soon as possible. 
  • Strange weight loss – Unless you’re making an effort to lose weight, shedding pounds should always be investigated by a doctor. 

 

How Cervical Cancer is Diagnosed

The first stage in diagnosing cervical cancer is a pap smear. In this procedure cells from the cervix are assessed under a microscope for possible abnormalities.

In some cases, the doctor may order an HPV DMA test to check for the types of HPV that are usually associated with cervical cancer. 

You May Also Like
13 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar that will Change Your Life!

If the initial tests show abnormalities, the next step is typically a colposcopy and biopsy.

Continue Reading

The Latest In Cervical Cancer

Mother and daughter hugging.

Cervical Cancer Attacks Black Women Harder: Here’s Why

The number of women who die from cervical cancer in the United States may be higher than previously believed, and the risk is greatest among older and black women, a new study finds."This is a preventable disease and women should read more about Cervical Cancer Attacks Black Women Harder: Here’s Why

Cervical Cancer Battle: Remembering Yvette Wilson

Actress and comedian, Yvette Wilson, who played the role of Andell Wilkerson on UPN’s “Moesha” and its spinoff, “The Parkers.” passed away from cervical cancer in the summer of 2012. She was only 48 years old. She was loved by read more about Cervical Cancer Battle: Remembering Yvette Wilson
Rachel Taylor GirlTrek

#BlackGirlHealing: After 36 Rounds Of Radiation, She Walked Away From Cervical Cancer

Rachel Taylor's dreams of motherhood took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012. After aggressive treatments, a new passion for health and walking was birthed. GirlTrek, the largest public health nonprofit for African American women read more about #BlackGirlHealing: After 36 Rounds Of Radiation, She Walked Away From Cervical Cancer
woman talking to doctor

Newly Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer? Questions To Ask Your Doctor Before, During & After Treatment

  Cervical cancer is a disease that begins in the cervix, the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each read more about Newly Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer? Questions To Ask Your Doctor Before, During & After Treatment
African American Black mother and daughter serious hugging

Cervical Cancer: What Every Black Woman Should Know

Cervical cancer is one of the few diseases that's preventable and curable if detected early. Of the close to 2,000 Black women diagnosed each year, over 40 percent will die. This is unacceptable.  While cervical cancer occurs most often in read more about Cervical Cancer: What Every Black Woman Should Know
cervical awareness health

Cervical Cancer: 6 Things Black Women Need To Know

Before the PAP smear was invented, cervical cancer was the most common gynecologic cancer in the world. We have made some improvement; now cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide. There are 490,000 estimated new cases read more about Cervical Cancer: 6 Things Black Women Need To Know

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain
  • Method Man and wife Tamika Celebrate 20 Years Married!Method Man and wife Tamika Celebrate 20 Years Married!
  • This Exercise Gets Rid of Mucus in Your ChestThis Exercise Gets Rid of Mucus in Your Chest
  • 5 Things That Stops Your Hair From Breaking Ever Again5 Things That Stops Your Hair From Breaking Ever Again
  • DMX’s Kids Children Remember their Dad: “I Love You Dad”DMX's Kids Children Remember their Dad: "I Love You Dad"

Podcast

Diabetes prevention and management podcast

Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.

Listen Now

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2021, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.