However, it can actually be a symptom of gynaecological cancers, which are a type of cancer that starts in female reproductive organs.
More than 20,000 women are affected by these cancers each year in the UK, which are:
- ovarian cancer
- cervical cancer
- endometrial (womb) cancer
- vulval cancer
- vaginal cancer
September marks Gynaecological Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of the different gynaecological cancers.
To mark the month, consultant gynaecologic oncologist Anupama Rajan Babu is sharing the often-missed signs of these cancers and top tips for spotting them early.
To date, she has performed more than 1,200 robotic gynaecological surgeries and has published over 85 journal articles, as well as authored several book chapters, covering every aspect of gynaecological cancer.
Ovarian cancer
Nearly 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK. This cancer starts in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum (the lining of the tummy).
Unfortunately, 4,000 women die from this disease each year, which makes early detection and awareness vital.
Ovarian cancer is often termed the ‘silent killer’ but according to Dr Anupama, the cancer displays warning symptoms that could help detect and diagnose the cancer early. She said that ovarian cancer mainly affects women who are post-menopausal but can also occur in younger women.
Be aware of the symptoms:
- persistent bloating (your tummy feels swollen most of the time)
- feeling full quickly or losing your appetite
- ongoing abdominal or pelvic pain
- needing to wee more often or more urgently
- unexplained back pain or tiredness (Although this is less common, it can occur)
Anupama added:
Being aware of the symptoms at any age is vital and early detection is crucial as it gives the best chance for a successful treatment.”
Endometrial (womb) cancer
This is a type of cancer that affects nearly 9,000 people every year in the UK and affects the womb (uterus), starting in the lining of the womb.
According to her, the early warning symptoms are unexpected vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods or bleeding after sex.
But if the cancer reaches an advanced stage, one can experience symptoms such as:
- pain in the back, legs or pelvis
- loss of appetite
- constant tiredness
- nausea
Anupama added: “If you have any such symptoms, you should contact your GP without any delay.”
Cervical cancer
According to Anupama, cervical cancer can occur at age in women but is detected more frequently among those aged between 30 to 45.
NHS describes the condition as a cancer that’s found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb.
Missed symptoms include:
- bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis) or in your lower tummy pain during sex
- loss of appetite, weight loss and a lack of energy (these tend to appear in advanced stages)
For early detection and better outcomes, Anupama strongly urges women to attend cervical cancer screening tests when offered, – this is the best chance to prevent the disease or catch changes early.
It is estimated that 99% of cervical cancer cases are preventable primarily through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) and regular cervical screenings.
More information can be found on the NHS website.
Vulval cancer
This cancer, which develops in the vulva, is relatively rare in the UK but affects more than 1,000 women every year.
“It affects mostly older women, generally over the age of 60,” added Anupama.
Although vulval cancer cases make up less than 1% of all female cancer cases its symptoms are often mistaken for minor issues.
Common symptoms include:
- persistent itching
- changes in skin appearance
- bleeding around the vulva
- burning pain when passing urine
- pain, soreness or tenderness in the vulva
Anupama added:
As with other cancers, early detection improves treatment outcomes. Contacting your GP is the best way forward.”
Vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is even rarer than vulval cancer and affects around 250 women each year in the UK.
It mostly affects older women and despite its rarity, any persistent or unusual symptoms should be brought to your GP’s attention.
This includes but not limited to:
- abnormal bleeding (after sex, between periods, or post-menopause)
- unusual vaginal discharge
- lumps or thickening in the vaginal area, or pain during sex
- swelling in your legs
- feeling you need to poo, even though you have just been (tenesmus)
- constipation
Dr Anupama added: “Some of these symptoms can be caused by non-cancerous conditions, but if they are new, persistent, or unexplained, it’s important not to wait and get it checked by a GP.
Every woman knows their body better than anyone else, so if something feels different from your usual, mention it to your GP. “By knowing what to look out for and when to seek help, women can give themselves the best chance of early diagnosis and successful treatment.”