Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina).

Cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you do have symptoms, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between periods or after the menopause.

Abnormal bleeding doesn’t mean that you definitely have cervical cancer, but it should be investigated by your GP as soon as possible. If your GP thinks you might have cervical cancer, you should be referred to see a specialist within 2 weeks.

Read more about the symptoms of cervical cancer and diagnosing cervical cancer

Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious, and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it’s reached an advanced stage.

This is why it’s very important that you attend all of your cervical screening appointments.


Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.