WHEN it comes to cancer early diagnosis saves lives.
And the best way to catch the disease early is to know your body inside out.
GettyIf you’ve noticed a strange smell down below then you should see your GP[/caption]
By knowing your normal, you will be primed and ready to spot any new lumps, bumps or other changes, which could be a sign of the disease.
But it’s not just the physical changes you should be alert to – it turns out changing smells could also be a early warning sign.
For us women, experiencing vaginal discharge is just part and parcel of our daily lives – it’s something we all have to deal with.
But, if you notice any changes when it comes to the smell or consistency, then you should speak to your GP, as it could be sign of cancer, the NHS says.
Read more on cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in women in the UK – with around 3,200 people being diagnosed each year, according to Cancer Research UK.
And tragically, around 800 women die from the disease each year.
There are no obvious symptoms during the early stages of the illness – that’s why it’s best to keep up with your smear tests when reminded by your GP.
However, the NHS says that one of the key signs is ‘changes to your vaginal discharge’.
This refers to the texture, colour and consistency of the discharge – but also the smell.
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Experts at Cancer Research UK state: “Some women also have: a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant and pain in the area between the hip bones.”
That being said, a change in discharge isn’t always down to cancer, and you should see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic if you are concerned.
Discharge isn’t the only indicator and other key signs include:
Pain and discomfort during sexVaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopausePain in your lower back or pelvisSevere pain in your side or back caused by your kidneysConstipationPeeing or pooing more than usualLosing control of your bladder or bowelsBlood in your peeSwelling in one or both legsSevere vaginal bleeding
One of the easiest ways to detect and prevent cervical cancer, is to get your smear test.
It’s a preventative test, where a swab is used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix – the entrance to the womb from the vagina – before they potentially turn cancerous.
Detecting these cells and then removing them can prevent cervical cancer. It’s important to note, a smear test is not a test for cervical cancer itself.
Most women’s results show everything is totally normal – but the test picks up abnormalities in around one in 20 women.
Cervical screening is carried out under the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, which was introduced in the 1980s.
Every woman over the age of 25 who has a GP is invited for screening – and it doesn’t matter if you’re sexually active or not.
What are the odds of overcoming cervical cancer?
Fortunately, the condition is almost completely preventable and can be forecast with regular smear tests.
And, even if you – or a loved one – is diagnosed, it has an average survival rate of 51 per cent, according to a the stats from 2013-2017 in England.
For women who have stage 1 cervical cancer, survival for more than five years can be 99 per cent, according to Cancer Research UK.
For stage 2, that becomes 60-90 per cent, while stage 3 it’s 30-50 per cent.
Those with stage 4 cervical cancer have a one-in-five chance of combating the illness and living more than half a decade.
It is possible for women of all ages to develop cervical cancer, but it’s extremely rare in women under 25.
New NHS data suggests fewer than one in two women in certain parts of England are attending free life-saving cervical smear tests.
Kate Sanger, head of policy at the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “We would urge all those who can attend to go and get tested.
“Numbers have never picked up since Covid, when screening stopped in parts of the UK and people found it harder to go out and get tested.
“There are many reasons women are still not going.”
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said: “There is no doubt about it – cervical screening saves lives.
“By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means that any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer.
“We know that it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off, but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life.
“And please do speak to your GP practice about any concerns you might have – we are here to help you.”