Cancer Symptoms Cancer Symptoms That Women Need to Know By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Lisa Fayed Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD on November 04, 2019 Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Doru Paul, MD Updated on January 27, 2020 Print Many types of gynecologic cancers produce symptoms early enough that they can be detected and successfully treated. But when the symptoms are ignored or not noticed, that delay in treatment can sometimes prove to be fatal. That is why women need to be vigilant about any symptoms that they're experiencing. Listen to your bodies! If you are experiencing something abnormal, see your doctor. Chances are the symptoms aren't cancer-related, but it's better to be safe. 1 Pelvic Pain BSIP/UIG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Pelvic pain is characterized by pain or pressure below the navel that is persistent and doesn't just occur during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or while you have your period. Pelvic pain is associated with endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and vaginal cancer. Recognizing Pelvic Pain 2 Abdominal Swelling and Bloating Nikodash/iStockphoto Abdominal swelling and bloating are two of the more common symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is also the symptom that is most often ignored. If the bloating is so bad that you can't button your pants or even have to go up a size, it may be worth talking to your doctor. When Abdominal Swelling Could Mean Ovarian Cancer 3 Persistent Lower Back Pain Dirima/Getty Images Lower back pain often feels like a dull ache. Yet some women also describe it as feeling similar to having labor pains. Lower back pain may be a symptom of ovarian cancer. The Most Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain 4 Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Image Source/Getty Images Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom that's experienced by women when they have gynecologic cancer. Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during and after sex are all considered abnormal vaginal bleeding. These symptoms are linked to cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. When to Worry About Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding 5 Persistent Fever Sam Edwards / Getty Images If a fever does not go away, lasting for more than seven days on and off, it should be reported to your doctor. A stubborn fever is often a symptom of cancer, but keep in mind that a fever may also be a symptom of many other benign conditions. Fever as a Cancer Symptom 6 Stomach Upset or Bowel Changes Domino/The Image Bank/Getty Images If you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, gas, thinner stools, or just a general change in your bowel habits, see your doctor. Also, look out for any rectal bleeding and the feeling that your bowel doesn't empty all the way after a bowel movement. Depending on when they occur and how long they last, certain symptoms could be due to something you're eating (like maybe you've become lactose intolerant or you have celiac disease), irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. Or they may be due to symptoms of gynecological cancer or colon cancer. 7 Unintentional Weight Loss Image Source / Getty Images Losing 10 or more pounds without trying may be a nice surprise, but it isn't normal. Although a woman's weight may fluctuate throughout the month, any sudden and unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more should be reported to your doctor. Should You Be Concerned by Unexplained Weight Loss? 8 Vulva or Vaginal Abnormalities BSIP/Getty Images With vulvar or vaginal abnormalities, you should be aware of any sores, blisters, changes in skin color, or discharge. You should examine your vulva and vagina regularly to look for any symptoms like these. How to Perform a Vulvar Self Exam 9 Changes in the Breast Ian Hootan/Getty Images During your monthly breast self-exam, you should look for lumps, tenderness, soreness, nipple discharge, dimpling, redness, or swelling. Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible. How to Do a Breast Self Exam 10 Fatigue Tara Moore/Taxi/Getty Images Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer symptoms. It is usually more common when the cancer has advanced, but it can still occur in the early stages. Any type of fatigue that prevents you from doing normal daily activities needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Fatigue as a Symptom of Cancer Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Long WN. Pelvic Pain. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 171. Olson SH, Mignone L, Nakraseive C, Caputo TA, Barakat RR, Harlap S. Symptoms of ovarian cancer. 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