Symptoms of cervical cancer

Early cervical cancers and pre cancerous cell changes don't usually have symptoms.

Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. That's why it's important to attend regular cervical screening. 

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

  • unusual vaginal bleeding
  • pain or discomfort during sex
  • vaginal discharge
  • pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)

If you have any of these symptoms, you must get them checked by your GP. But remember, they can all be caused by other conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have cervical cancer.

Bleeding

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at times other than when you're having a period. You may have bleeding:

  • between periods
  • during or after sex
  • at any time after your menopause

Bleeding after sex

Bleeding after sex isn't necessarily a sign of cervical cancer. It's often caused by something called a cervical erosion or ectropion.

A cervical erosion means that the cells normally inside the cervical canal (glandular cells) can be seen on the outside surface of the cervix (ectocervix). It is common:

  • in young girls
  • during pregnancy
  • in women on the contraceptive pill

This is due to changes in hormone levels. Sex can make it start bleeding.

Cervical erosion has nothing to do with cancer. It's harmless and often goes away by itself or by changing contraception. Sometimes, it might need treatment. Your doctor does this by freezing the area under local anaesthetic (cryotherapy).

As cervical cancer can also cause bleeding after sex, it is always sensible to get any unusual bleeding checked by your doctor.

Discomfort or pain during sex

Some women have discomfort or pain during sex. This is called dyspareunia. 

Many other conditions can cause this symptom. But you should see your doctor straight away if you have this. 

Other symptoms

Some women also have:

  • a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
  • pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)

Cervical screening

Pre cancerous cell changes do not have any symptoms. The cervical screening programme aims to pick these changes up and prevent cancer from developing in the first place. 

  • Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology (12th edition)

    VT DeVita, TS Lawrence, SA Rosenberg

    Wolters Kluwer, 2023

  • Suspected cancer: recognition and referral​
    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), June 2015.

  • Cervical Cancer Guidelines: Recommendations for Practice (May 2020)

    British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS)

    Accessed September 2023

  • The information on this page is based on literature searches and specialist checking. We used many references and there are too many to list here. If you need additional references for this information please contact patientinformation@cancer.org.uk with details of the particular risk or cause you are interested in.

Last reviewed: 
06 Sep 2023
Next review due: 
06 Sep 2026

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