Symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause | Women's Health articles | Family Health center

What Is Cervical Cancer?

The cervix is found at the lower part of the uterus, and at the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer to impact women around the world. Cancer of the cervix is very rare in women under the age of 25, as this cancer mostly occur in women within the 55 to 60 year age group. Though cervical cancer starts in the cervix, it can spread to other parts of the body, so early detection and treatment are vital. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of cervical cancer. Because it can be detected early on by having regular Pap tests, it is vital to see your OBGYN as recommended. The other form of cervical cancer is adenocarcinoma.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

The risk factors for cervical cancer include:

Human Papiloma Virus infection

While the majority of the nearly 200 known types of HPV cause no symptoms in most people, some types can cause genital warts, while others can – in a minority of cases – lead to cancers of the cervix, or the vagina in women, or cancers of the anus and penis in men. HPV infections are typically passed on by sexual intercourse.

A weakened immune system

Taking drugs that repress the immune system unfortunately increases a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. Discuss regular screening tests if you are taking such medications.

Using birth control pills for a long period of time

Using hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of getting this type of cancer.

Sexual history

Women who have had many sexual partners have an elevated risk of developing cervical cancer. Also, a woman who has had sex with a man who has had many sexual partners may be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer for the same reason. This is related to HPV infections, and again highlights the need for screening tests.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

During the early stages of cervical cancer, a patient might not experience any symptoms at all. The most common symptoms in this phase are vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse and unusual or altered vaginal discharge. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include exhaustion, leg pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, weight loss, back pain, pelvic pain, etc.

Menopause and Cervical Cancer

During the perimenopause, the life stage that leads up to menopause, it is normal for the menstrual cycle to be irregular and vary in quantity of the blood lost, until the periods stop altogether. While it may be just a sign of menopause, older women should be aware that irregular periods may also be a sign of cervical cancer, which makes it easy to confuse the symptoms. That is why most women in menopause do not seek help when they experience these symptoms. They assume that they are having normal menopause symptoms.

The ever-improving prognosis of women diagnosed with cervical cancer has meant that survivorship and treatment-related sequelae are being brought more into the spotlight in an attempt to try to reduce morbidity and improve women's long-term health. Women who have become menopausal under the age of 45 years as a result of cervical cancer are significantly less likely to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or continue it long term as compared with those who have undergone a surgical menopause for a benign reason.

Treatment for cervical cancer can result in an iatrogenic menopause (early onset of stoppage of periods).
Iatrogenic menopause can be associated with long-term morbidity and mortality.
HRT can reduce menopausal symptoms although compliance with treatment is a challenge.
Non-HRT based interventions are needed for women who chose not to take HRT.

✓ Fact confirmed: Iatrogenic Menopause After Treatment for Cervical Cancer E.L.Moss, S.Taneja, F.Munir, C.Kent, L.Robinson, N.Potdar, P.Sarhanis, H.McDermott; December 2016

It is very important for a woman to have regular Pap smear tests, which can identify potentially precancerous changes. If one should experience any symptoms, one should consult a doctor, who will perform the tests necessary.