Symptoms of cervical cancer

Main symptoms of cervical cancer

Symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
• changes to your vaginal discharge
• pain during sex
• pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy

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.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP may ask to examine you.

You can ask for a female doctor when you book your appointment.

You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.

Then the GP may:

• look at the outside of your vagina (vulva)
• feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)
• gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see your cervix
• take a swab (sample) by gently wiping inside your vagina

It should not be painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP if you're feeling uncomfortable.

You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your exam if you want.

Referral to a specialist

You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms which could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.