Health experts warn people that they should seek help from their doctor ASAP
Even if you find it embarrassing, it is very important to talk to your GP about it(Image: Getty)
Health professionals are urging people to seek medical advice if they detect an unusual smell, as it could potentially signal cancer. And people should not put off seeking help even if they feel embarrassed.
The Mayo Clinic warn that a “foul odour” might be an indicator of cervical cancer, making it crucial not to dismiss symptoms, as delays can allow the cancer to progress and spread.
Crucially, when it starts, “cervical cancer might not cause symptoms.” But as it grows, cervical cancer might cause these signs and symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
- Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual.
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour.
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Other signs to look out for include pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.
The NHS emphasises that whilst people with pre-existing conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis may experience similar symptoms routinely, keeping an eye on these signs and symptoms are essential. It explains: “If you have another condition like fibroids or endometriosis, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
“You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.”
Cervical cancer – what is it?
According to the NHS: “Cervical cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix. It’s most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age.
“The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus). It’s part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
“Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. How serious it is depends on how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.”
How to reduce your risk
- Regular check-ups to detect changes early.
- Immunisation to protect against the virus that often causes cancer is key, so stay up-to-date with vaccines
- Practice safe sex
- Don’t smoke
- If you do smoke, talk to a health care professional about ways to help you quit
- Surgery is often the first line of defence to physically remove the cancerous tissue.
- Drugs used to kill cancer cells may be another option. Utilising high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, also known as radiation therapy, could help too. Additionally, integrating radiation treatment with low-dose chemotherapy can enhance effectiveness.
Who is more likely to get cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can occur at any age. Anyone with a cervix is susceptible. However, if you have undergone surgery to remove your womb and cervix (total hysterectomy), you cannot develop cervical cancer.
You might also be more likely to get cervical cancer if:
- you have a weakened immune system, like if you have HIV or AIDS
- you have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)
- your mother took the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you – your GP can discuss these risks with you
- you’ve had vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer in the past
- you smoke
- you’ve taken the contraceptive pill for more than 5 years – this only slightly increases your risk and for many people the benefits of taking it outweigh the risks
Two types of cancer you should know about
- Adenocarcinoma: A type of cancer that starts in the column-like gland cells lining the inside of the cervix.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This cancer forms in the thin, flat cells on the outside of the cervix. It accounts for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Experts at the Mayo Clinic note: “Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.”
Always make an appointment with a GP or other medical professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. For support, please visit Cancer Research UK here.