Cancer Symptoms That Women Need to Know

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer is important because early diagnosis and intervention can be life-saving. It’s also essential to stay current with cancer screening such as mammograms, pap smears, and colon cancer screening. 

While the symptoms mentioned in this article can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing them. 

This article reviews symptoms of cancer in women including pelvic pain, bloating, lower back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, fever, night sweats, changes in bathroom habits, fatigue, and weight, vulva, and breast changes.

Pelvic Pain

Pain below the waist is normal near your period. But if it lasts longer than that, see a healthcare professional.

Pelvic pain (lower belly between the hips) is common for ovarian and endometrial (also called uterine) but can also be seen with these cancers:

• Cervical
• Fallopian tube
• Vaginal

Constant Bloating

Abdominal swelling and bloating are symptoms of ovarian cancer. Lots of things can cause your belly to bloat, so this is an easy symptom to overlook.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain often feels like a dull ache or labor pains. Check with a healthcare provider if the pain doesn't go away. It may be a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of gynecologic cancer. Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during and after sex are reasons to seek medical care.

Bleeding is linked to these cancers:

• Cervical
• Uterine
• Ovarian
• Vaginal

Fever or Night Sweats

If a fever lasts longer than seven days on and off, talk to your healthcare provider. A stubborn fever or night sweats can be a sign of cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma.

Fevers caused by cancer can come in cycles. This is when you get a temperature around the same time each day. It may go away for a few days or weeks and then return. Other cancers that can be caused by cancer include:

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Ovarian
• Acute or chronic leukemia
• Kidney (renal)
• Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Adrenal gland tumor
• Tumors in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain)

Keep in mind that lots of other health conditions also cause fevers.

Changes in Bathroom Habits

Bowel (pooping) habits can change from time to time. If you notice any of these changes, mention them to a healthcare provider:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Gas
• Thin or loose stools
• Rectal bleeding (pooping blood)
• A feeling that your bowel won't empty all the way
• Changes in how often you have a bowel movement

These symptoms could be due to something you ate. This is especially true if you have:

• Problems digesting dairy
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

However, there is also a chance they may be related to gynecologic cancers such as vaginal, ovarian, or colon cancer.

Weight Change

Your weight can go up and down throughout the month. But if you lose 10 pounds or more without trying, talk to a healthcare provider. Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of the following types of cancer:

• Ovarian
• Colorectal
• Pancreatic
• Gastro-esophageal
• Lung
• Renal (kidney)
• Myeloma (rare blood cancer)
• Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
• Biliary tree

Weight gain and weight cycling can also raise the risk of cancer in women after menopause. Weight cycling is a pattern of gaining then losing weight.

Vulva Changes

It's a good idea to look at your vulva and vagina regularly. Watch for symptoms of vulvar cancer like these:

• Sores, blisters, or lumps on the vulva
• Blisters
• Skin color changes
• Skin changes that look like a rash or warts
• Itching or burning
• Bleeding on the vulva that does not go away
• Discharge

Unusual Breast Changes

Changes in your breasts can indicate breast cancer. It is most common in women 50 years and older. Signs and symptoms to watch for during your monthly breast self-exam include:

• Lumps (especially hard lumps)
• Lumps that don't move easily or go away with menstrual cycle changes
• Skin changes (redness, swelling, dry, thick, itchy rash)
• Nipple discharge (when not pregnant or breastfeeding)
• A nipple that turns inward
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast
• Breast pain not related to your period (this is an extremely rare symptom).

If you notice any changes, discuss them with a healthcare professional right away.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common cancer symptom. It's more common when ​cancer is advanced, but it can occur in the early stages. Cancer fatigue is different from being overly tired. It doesn't go away from a good night's sleep or caffeine. If fatigue keeps you from normal daily activities, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider.

While this is not an all-inclusive list, cancers that may cause fatigue include:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Some bone cancers
• Colon (most likely from blood loss that leads to anemia)
• Stomach (most likely from blood loss)
• Metastatic (cancer that moves to another part of the body) lung
• Metastatic ovarian
• Some breast cancers'
• Cancers that affect the endocrine or autonomic nervous systems
  

Summary

Symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, lower back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vulva changes, and unusual breast changes can indicate gynecological (specific to the female reproductive system) cancers. 

Fever, night sweats, changes in bathroom habits, and weight changes can indicate cancers such as colon cancer, pancreatic, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and more. 

While the symptoms mentioned in this article can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing them.

A Word From Verywell

Early treatment raises your chances of surviving cancer. That's why it's so important to notice and seek care for changes like these.

If you have pain, bloating, fever, bleeding, or changes to your bathroom habits, talk to a healthcare professional. The same goes for changes in your breasts, vulva, weight, or energy levels.

Chances are, your symptoms aren't cancer. But speaking up about your symptoms could lead to an early diagnosis and treatment if cancer is the culprit.