Cervical cancers are easily preventable even though the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are visible only in later stages. Regular pap smear tests are ideal for observing any abnormal growth of cells in the cervix even before its signs appear and can be treated successfully.

These are some of the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Spotting
Women with cervical cancer may experience spotting in between two menstrual cycles. Spotting is light bleeding and does not last longer than a day or two. The discharge may be pink, reddish, or dark red in color. This kind of light bleeding could mean a lot of other things and may not necessarily be an indicator of cervical cancer. Regular pap smear tests can help ascertain this. You may want to see an OB/GYN at the earliest if you experience spotting, especially if it is not normal. Some women with cervical cancer may also experience spotting after intercourse, after pelvic examination, or even after menopause.

Other vaginal discharges
Another one of the early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer is increased vaginal discharges. The discharge may be watery in nature and can have a foul smell. The foul smell is a result of the death of some of the cancer cells due to the lack of oxygen.

Changes to the menstrual cycle
Cervical cancer can also cause women to have a heavier and longer period. Heavy and long periods alone cannot be looked at as a symptom for cervical cancer, as it may be normal for several women. However, menstrual cycles that are suddenly longer and heavier, without any other cause, require medical attention. In some cases, heavier-than-usual bleeding can also cause anemia.

Aches in the adjoining area
Some women with cervical cancer may also experience pain in the lower back or pelvic regions. Although pelvic pain usually occurs only in advanced stages, lower back pain without any other significant cause should not be ignored. 

Loss of appetite or weight loss
This is a common symptom in most forms of cancer. Patients may experience a severe loss of appetite. This further leads to weight loss. In some women, weight loss is not accompanied by the reduced desire to eat. Such patients may experience significant weight loss, irrespective of how much the person eats.

Itching sensations in the vagina
Cervical cancer can also cause women to have itchy or burning sensations in the vagina. This symptom can be overlooked easily as it is also caused due to other conditions like bacterial infections, certain skin diseases, stress, menopause, and even vulvar cancer.