Cancer Symptoms That Women Need to Know

Pelvic Pain

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.

Abdominal Swelling and Bloating

Abdominal swelling and bloating are two of the more common symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is also the symptom that is most often ignored.

Persistent Lower Back Pain

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.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

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.

Persistent Fever

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.

Stomach Upset or Bowel Changes

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.

Unintentional Weight Loss

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.

Vulva or Vaginal Abnormalities

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.

Changes in the Breast

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.

Fatigue

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.