Early Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer
Dr Carolina Velasquez MBBS, MClinRes
Medical Affairs Manager, TruScreen
Recognizing the early warning signs of cervical cancer is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. Although early stage cervical cancer frequently occurs without symptoms, awareness of the following signs can help enable early detection and treatment to improve outcomes [1].
Key Early Warning Signs:
1. Abnormal Bleeding
One of the most common early warning signs is unusual uterine bleeding patterns. This includes bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, bleeding after menopause, or menstrual periods that are heavier or longer than usual [2,3]. Any deviation from normal bleeding patterns warrants medical consultation.
2. Abnormal Discharge
Persistent abnormal vaginal discharge is another frequently reported early sign. The discharge may be watery, continuous, , pink, or contain blood, mucus or pus. It may also have a foul or unpleasant odour [1,2]. Changes in discharge consistency, color, or odour should prompt an examination.
3. Pain During Sexual Intercourse
Pain during or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), is a notable warning sign that should not be ignored and warrants further investigation by your doctor [2,4].
4. Pelvic or Lower Back Pain
Persistent pain in the pelvis, lower back, or lower abdomen can be an early indicator of cervical cancer [1,3]. This pain may be dull, persistent, or worsen during or after sexual intercourse. While many conditions can cause pelvic pain, new or unexplained pain should be assessed promptly.
5. Urinary Symptoms
Abnormal urinary patterns may signal cervical cancer development. These include painful urination (dysuria), urinary urgency, or urinary frequency [2,5]. Some women may also experience blood in the urine, which requires immediate medical attention3.
6. Unexplained Fatigue and Weight Loss
In some cases, unexplained fatigue or unintentional weight loss may represent early systemic signs of cervical cancer1,5. These symptoms, particularly when accompanied by loss of appetite, warrant concern.
Women should consult a healthcare professional if they notice any of these warning signs, especially if symptoms persist for more than two weeks. It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions; however, early evaluation is essential4.
Regular cervical cancer screening through TruScreen, pap smears or HPV DNA testing remains the most effective strategy for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, and should be left until a woman notices the presence of these or other symptoms[3].
References
Mayo Clinic. (2025). Cervical cancer – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved January 2026 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501
Moffitt Cancer Center. (2023). Five signs of cervical cancer beyond early detection. Retrieved January 2026 from https://www.moffitt.org/taking-care-of-your-health
American Cancer Society. (2025). Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Retrieved January 2026 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
NHS. (2024). Symptoms of cervical cancer. Retrieved January 2026 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms/
World Health Organization. (2025). Cervical cancer – Early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved January 2026 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
