The 4 earliest warning signs the body sends as a “cry for help” for cerv.ical can.cer—sadly, many women overlook them

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most frightening cancer affecting women’s health worldwide, after breast cancer. Even more concerning, the disease is becoming increasingly younger, with women aged 20–30 accounting for nearly 25% of cases.

Oncology experts emphasize that the danger of cervical cancer lies in its silent progression and the fact that it is easily mistaken for common gynecological infections. However, if detected early, the cure rate can reach up to 95%, whereas in the metastatic stage, this figure drops to just about 10%.

Below are the 4 earliest “cries for help” that women should never ignore:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

This is the most characteristic early sign, appearing when cervical epithelial cells begin to undergo abnormal changes. As the tumor grows, it invades surrounding tissues and forms fragile new blood vessels that bleed easily. Women should be alert to bright red bleeding outside of menstruation, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or abnormal bleeding after menopause. The bleeding may stop on its own but tends to recur more frequently over time.

2. Unusual changes in vaginal discharge

Changes in vaginal discharge are one of the clearest reflections of cervical health. If discharge suddenly becomes heavier, thicker, turns yellow or green, contains pus, or has a strong foul odor, it may indicate that cancer cells are breaking down or causing severe inflammation. Do not self-treat with over-the-counter vaginal medications—seek medical screening immediately.

3. Unexplained pelvic and lower back pain

As the tumor increases in size, it can compress nerves and disrupt blood circulation in the pelvic area. This may cause dull or sharp pain in the pelvis or lower back that is unrelated to the menstrual cycle. The pain often worsens at night and may spread to nearby areas as the disease progresses.

4. Pain or discomfort during intercourse

This is a warning sign experts frequently mention but many women hesitate to talk about. Persistent pain or burning sensations during sexual intercourse may result from severe damage to cervical tissues caused by tumor growth. This is a red-alert signal indicating that the cervical lining has become extremely sensitive and requires thorough medical evaluation.

How to prevent cervical cancer

To reduce the risk of cervical cancer, women should proactively adopt a healthy lifestyle and protect their bodies early. HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening are the most important measures for detecting cellular changes at the precancerous stage. In addition, maintaining a plant-rich diet, staying physically active, and practicing proper personal hygiene can help strengthen the body’s natural immune defenses.