Red flag symptoms of cancer that 'can go unnoticed' - when to see a doctor

Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in women in the UK, affecting around 3,300 people per year. Cervical cancer typically develops slowly, making early detection a key factor in successful treatment.

However, its gradual progression is also why it can often go unnoticed - especially as it may not show symptoms for months or even years.

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Angela Sarmiento Betancourt MD, medical affairs manager at healthcare technology company myTomorrows, has shared her insights to walk you through the key red flags of cervical cancer, including some common symptoms and how to spot them early, providing you with the knowledge to stay informed and proactive about your health.

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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can often go unnoticed as it doesn’t always produce symptoms. In many cases, it is most commonly picked up through regular cervical screenings. Where symptoms do occur, the most common are:

• Heavier periods than you are used to

• Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause

• Pain during sex, particularly in your lower back, pelvis, or lower abdomen

Fortunately, in the UK, women have access to comprehensive cervical cancer screenings, but globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and low- and middle-income countries have the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

What causes cervical cancer?

Most cases of cervical cancer form due to an infection from certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can get HPV from:

• Skin-to-skin contact of the genital area

• Vaginal, anal or oral sex

You can lower your chances of contracting HPV by using condoms, but as they do not cover all the skin around your genitals they don’t provide complete protection.

When should you see a GP?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is advised to get in touch with your GP. They will bring you in for an examination and then decide whether to refer you for further tests or to a specialist.

All women and people with a cervix in the UK aged between 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screenings. As mentioned, cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, so these screenings serve as the primary way of diagnosing.

Additionally, all children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. This helps protect against the most prevalent types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Around nine in 10 women aged 15 to 44 diagnosed with cervical cancer survive their disease for 10 years or more.