There are many types of cancer that people suffer with and knowing the symptoms can help detect it early, sometimes giving greater chances of survival.

While you’ve probably heard of cervical cancer, do you know the symptoms?

Cervical cancer is found in the cervix and women aged under 45 are most affected by it.

Here are the symptoms you should look out for and advice on when to see your GP.

Cervical cancer symptoms

Cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, according to the NHS.

This includes bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause.

You might also experience heavier periods than usual.

Changes to vaginal discharge, pain during sex and pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy could also be signs of cervical cancer.

Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer and nearly all cervical cancers are caused by and infection from types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical cancer can be prevented by cervical screening – this aims to find and treat changes to cells before they develop into cancer.

Usually, cervical cancer grows very slowly and the size of it, if it has spread and your general health can be indicators for how serious it is.

When should you see a GP?

People who have conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis may experience some of these symptoms regularly and might get used to them but it’s important to get them checked by your GP if they change, get worse or don’t feel normal for you.

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See your GP as soon as possible if you have any cervical cancer symptoms – the NHS understands you may feel embarrassed to do this but it encourages anyone with symptoms to speak to their GP as the doctor or nurse will be used to talking about this topic.

The NHS emphasises that the above symptoms are “very common” and can be caused by other conditions so it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer if you’ve noticed these symptoms.

Getting them checked with your GP is best as treatment can be more successful if you find you have cervical cancer early.

You can find out more about cervical cancer and what happens at a doctor appointment via the NHS website.