Beyond Period Problems: Subtle Cervical Cancer Symptoms Women Often Miss

• Early cervical cancer symptoms are often subtle, easily mistaken for normal period issues or minor gynecological concerns, making early detection challenging.
• Dr. Ninad Katdare emphasizes that recognizing these subtle cues is crucial for earlier diagnosis and significantly better outcomes in treating gynecological cancers.
• Key warning signs include bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or any vaginal bleeding post-menopause, which are often painless.
• Changes in vaginal discharge (persistent, watery, foul-smelling, blood-tinged) and persistent pelvic pain, especially during intercourse, warrant medical evaluation.
• Advanced symptoms can include urinary/bowel issues, unexplained leg swelling, persistent fatigue, and unintentional weight loss, signaling progression.

Why It Matters: Recognizing subtle, often painless, symptoms like irregular bleeding or unusual discharge is vital for early cervical cancer detection.