Jade Goody and Cervical Cancer: Signs and Symptoms that Could Save Your Life

It has been confirmed today by her publicist that Jade Goody, the popular British reality TV star, has just months to live after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. She received the diagnosis in 2008 whilst appearing on the Indian version of Big Brother and has since been filmed undergoing chemotherapy in a bid to educate other women about cervical cancer signs and symptoms. Jade Goody is just 27 years old and has two young boys to consider. As such, lets hope her legacy is to save at least one life through her struggle.

The signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are not easy to spot and if you are not vigilant then it is difficult to detect. In fact, the changes to the cervical cells do not cause symptoms at all in many cases until they become cancerous. As such, all women should know exactly what signs and symptoms of cervical cancer to look for just in case it should ever happen to them.

The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

The first signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are hardly noticeable and so can be dismissed as something unrelated. For example, you may experience a little abnormal vaginal bleeding or a change to your menstrual cycle that cannot be explained, abnormal pain during sex, bleeding during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge and unexplained pain if you have a diaphragm in. All of the above would often be ignored by all women but can be vital signs and symptom of cervical cancer to have investigated.

If cervical cancer progresses then you may also notice several more prevalent symptoms. You may experience pelvic pain, leg pain, back pain, anaemia, urinary problems, weight loss and even problems with constipation. Again these signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can all be explained away by a number of other illnesses but you can never be too careful. One or more of the above should always be investigated by your doctor just in case.

The Smear Test

There is a cervical cancer test available for all women over the age of 25. You can book a smear test as soon as you get to that age. Many women fail to do so because they believe the smear will be painful and invasive. It is invasive because it requires an instrument to be inserted into the vagina in order to collect cells for analysis. However, contrary to popular belief, it does not hurt. I can tell you that from previous experience.

Too many women put off having a smear out of fear but should not do so because it can detect cells in the earliest stages of cervical cancer. In fact, it can identify those that are mutating into cancer cells. As such, you can get treatment before you actually get cervical cancer. Remember that Jade Goody is only 27 so you should take advantage as soon as you can.