As of: February 7, 2024, 9:58 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Cervical cancer is one of the three most common cancers in women under 45 and is most often caused by the HP virus.
The disease can go unnoticed for a long time.
On average, women develop cervical cancer at the age of 53.
In most cases, the disease develops over many years without causing any significant symptoms.
In the early stages of the disease, cervical cancer is very curable.
As the tumor spreads, the chances of recovery decrease.
Women between the ages of 20 and 34 can have annual preventive examinations from a gynecologist using a so-called Pap smear (human papilloma virus test or HPV test), which shows cell changes.
For women aged 35 and over, a Pap smear is recommended every three years, as the
Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center
informs.
Women should always pay attention to possible changes and signs in their body, as persistent back pain, for example, can be an indication of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer: Non-specific symptoms such as back pain can be a warning sign
Persistent back pain for which no organic cause can be found should be urgently discussed with a gynecologist, as the “German Cancer Society” warns, as it can also be a symptom of cervical disease.
© "AntonioGuillem"/Imago
In the early stages of the slowly growing tumor, there are usually no symptoms, similar to colon cancer, and the cervical cancer precursors also go unnoticed for a long time, as
Netdoktor
says.
Only when the cancer has already penetrated into the deeper tissue layers or metastases have formed can the following symptoms arise, such as:
Vaginal discharge, which is sometimes bloody and can smell unusual
Slight bleeding after sexual intercourse
Bleeding after sports and physical exertion such as cycling or horse riding
stomach pain
Changes in stool, hard stools
Back pain
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Women older than 35 also often develop heavy periods, breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Bleeding after menopause can also be a symptom of cervical disease.
Persistent back pain in the lower lumbar area that radiates into the pelvis should definitely be clarified and mentioned when visiting a gynecologist, as this could be a possible sign of metastasis to the pelvis and spine caused by cervical cancer.
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The symptoms and complaints mentioned can be signs of cervical cancer or ultimately have other causes.
A visit to the doctor is recommended in any case.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.