10 Cancer Symptoms Women Should Know

Gynecology concerns the health of female reproductive organs: ovaries, uterus, cervix and vagina. Gynecological cancers have some distinctive symptoms. Recognizing them early saves lives. Listening to your body and consulting a doctor about abnormalities is important. Symptoms are listed below.

1. Pelvic / groin pain
   Pelvic pain is pain or pressure below the navel occurring outside premenstrual syndrome. It is associated with uterine, ovarian, cervical, fallopian tube and vaginal cancers.
   -Related Topic:Stages and treatment of uterine cancer
2. Persistent stomach discomfort and changes in bowel movements
   Consult your doctor about constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool, gas or other marked bowel changes. Note how long symptoms last and when pain occurs. Persistent bowel changes may result from infection, gynecological cancer or colon cancer.
   -Related Topic: CONSTIPATION: One of the Most Overlooked Problems in Cancer Patients
3. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
   This is the most common symptom in women with gynecological cancer. Heavy periods, unexpected bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause or during or after sex are considered abnormal. These symptoms are linked to cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers.
   -Related Topic: Cervical cancer symptoms and treatment
4. Persistent lower back pain
   Back pain may feel persistent. Some women describe it as similar to work-related pain. Lower back pain can be a symptom of ovarian cancer.
5. Prolonged fever
   If a fever lasts more than 7 days, consulting a doctor is advisable. Persistent fever may or may not be a cancer symptom.
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6. Abdominal bloating
   Abdominal swelling and bloating are common ovarian cancer symptoms. Do not dismiss them as weight gain or overeating during the day. If discomfort prevents fastening or unfastening your trousers, consult your doctor.
   -Related Topic: What are ovarian cancer symptoms?
7. Breast changes
   Check for lumps, tenderness, pain, nipple discharge, dimpling, redness or swelling. Report any change to your doctor promptly.
   -Related Topic: What are breast cancer symptoms? A palpable breast lump?
8. Vulvar or vaginal abnormalities
   Notice any sores, blisters, skin color changes or discharge alongside vulvar or vaginal abnormalities. Pay attention to changes in the vulva and vagina.
9. Unintended weight loss
   Losing another 10 kilos without trying may please you, but it is not normal. Report sudden unexplained loss of 10 kilos or more to your doctor.
10. Fatigue
    Fatigue is one of the most common cancer symptoms. It is usually more noticeable as cancer progresses but can appear early. Any fatigue preventing daily activities should be assessed by a doctor.

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