The tell-tale signs of 5 cancers you need to know – from bloating to spotting

A GYNAECOLOGY expert has revealed the five potential signs of cancer that every woman should know.

A survey from the gynaecological cancer research charity The Eve Appeal found that only one in three people can’t name a single gynaecological cancer and only two per cent can name all five.

Valentina Milanova, Founder of Daye, a gynae health company that aims to raise standards, outlined the five gynaecological cancers there are and what people need to look out for in each.

Milanova said the two most common symptoms of gynaecological cancers are abdominal bloating and spotting – bleeding outside of the time of your menstrual cycle.

She told the : “Because bloating and spotting are both very common, individuals frequently miss out on the early signs of gynaecological cancers.

“This is why patients typically present late with cancer making the treatment harder and less likely to be successful.”

Milanova also gave the worrying statistic that only 20 per cent of people with ovarian cancer present themselves when they are at stage I or II.

Here are the five gynaecological cancers and what to look out for.

OVARIAN CANCER

Common symptoms include lower abdomen bloating and swelling as well as feeling full quickly after eating and unexpected weight loss.

Milanova said: “Other signs may include pelvic floor discomfort, which can be expressed as painful sex, painful urination or general pelvic pressure, change in the frequency or consistency of bowel movements and needing to pee more frequently than usual.”

VAGINAL CANCER

Milanova said that the most common symptoms of vaginal cancer included unexpected vaginal bleeding, which could be between menstrual cycles, after intercourse and post-menopause.

She added a lump in the vagina, which can be detected with home finger inspections, painful sex and painful or frequent urination, was another symptom to look out for.

CERVICAL CANCER

Milanova said: “Similar to vaginal cancer, unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting between cycles, after intercourse or post-menopause and pain during intercourse are also symptoms of cervical cancer.

“Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the pelvis and foul odour discharge.”

UTERINE (OF THE WOMB) CANCER

Signs of cancer of the womb that you need to be aware of can include irregular menstrual bleeding, including heavier, and irregular periods.

Milanova also said that difficulties with conception and unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting between cycles, after intercourse or post-menopause, could be a cause for concern.

VULVAR CANCER

Milanova said: “Persistent itching of the vulva, swelling, pain and tenderness of the vulva or labia and vulvar ulcers are all symptoms of vulvar cancer. 

“Other symptoms include thickening or darkening of the skin and spotting between cycles and irregular vaginal bleeding.

Anyone who may have concerns is advised to keep a period diary.

While vaginal bleeding and bloating could simply be related to where you are in your monthly cycle, they could also be symptoms of gynaecological cancers.

People are urged to keep a period diary, so you can quickly identify if your spotting and bloating are connected to your menstruation or if it could be a sign of something more serious.