Understanding the Symptoms of Cervical and Endometrial Cancer
According to Director Jiang Guiyin from Beijing Guangren Hospital, a significant number of cervical cancer patients, approximately 80%, experience vaginal bleeding or increased blood-tinged discharge after sexual intercourse. This medical condition is known as contact vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding is not related to the menstrual cycle and is characterized by bright red color. The bleeding can vary in volume and often stops spontaneously.
Another concerning sign is immediate bleeding following sexual activity, which may occur due to vaginal penetration impacting areas of the cervix affected by lesions. Some patients may describe this symptom as post-coital bleeding. It is essential to note that benign cervical conditions, such as chronic cervicitis or cervical angiomatosis, may also present with similar bleeding.
Endometrial Cancer: Symptoms to Watch For
Jiang Guiyin further explains that most patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer are often in the early clinical stages of the disease. For many, the primary symptom is vaginal bleeding after menopause. With increased awareness of women's health issues, many women realize that bleeding occurring at least one year after menopause is abnormal.
There are also cases where patients have not yet reached menopause but experience irregular menstrual cycles, which may present as unpredictable bleeding or increased menstrual flow. It is crucial not to dismiss these symptoms as mere menstrual irregularities and to seek medical attention promptly.
The Silent Threat of Ovarian Cancer
Gynecological expert Tang Lixin highlights that ovarian cancer deserves particular vigilance. This disease lacks typical clinical symptoms and does not have effective screening methods. Approximately 75% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are already in advanced stages of the disease upon diagnosis.
A common symptom of ovarian cancer is the presence of abdominal masses. However, early-stage masses can be small and difficult for patients to detect. Many women only seek treatment after experiencing symptoms related to ascites, at which point the cancer has often progressed to widespread peritoneal metastasis.
The Importance of Self-awareness
Thus, it is imperative for women to remain alert to even the slightest changes in their bodies and to take timely action when symptoms arise. Regular health check-ups and being proactive about any unusual signs can significantly impact early diagnosis and treatment outcomes for these serious conditions.