6. Changes in Urination or Bowel Habits
Difficulty urinating, frequent urges, pain while urinating, or blood in urine; similar issues with bowel movements (less common in very early stages but possible as things progress).
7. Unexplained Fatigue or Weight Loss
General tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, or unintentional weight loss—these are more common in later stages but occasionally noted earlier.
8. Swelling in the Legs
Leg swelling (edema) from lymph node involvement—typically a sign of more advanced disease.
Quick Comparison: Common Symptoms vs. Possible Other Causes
| Symptom | Cervical Cancer Link | Common Non-Cancer Causes | When to Act Urgently |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleeding after sex | Very common early sign | Infections, polyps, hormonal changes | See doctor promptly |
| Bleeding between periods | Frequent indicator | Birth control, fibroids, thyroid issues | If persistent or heavy |
| Post-menopausal bleeding | Major red flag | Atrophy, polyps, endometrial issues | Immediate evaluation needed |
| Watery/bloody/foul discharge | Often reported | Infections (bacterial vaginosis, STIs) | If new or ongoing |
| Pain during intercourse | Due to cervical irritation | Endometriosis, dryness, infections | If new or worsening |
| Pelvic/lower back pain | From tumor pressure | Muscle strain, ovarian cysts | If persistent and unexplained |
These overlaps highlight why professional evaluation is essential—self-diagnosis isn’t reliable.
