Which symptom is commonly associated with cervical cancer?

Which symptom is commonly associated with cervical cancer?

• A. Post-coital bleeding/spotting
• B. Pelvic pain only
• C. Frequent urination
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (A)

Bleeding after intercourse is a classic presenting symptom of cervical cancer. Cervical tumors tend to be friable, so the delicate cervical tissue bleeds easily with sexual activity, making postcoital bleeding a common early warning sign. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in general (especially after sex or irregular spotting) is a key clue that prompts evaluation with pelvic examination, Pap smear with HPV testing, and colposcopy as indicated. Pelvic pain alone is non-specific and can arise from many conditions, so it is less telling for cervical cancer at presentation. Frequent urination suggests involvement of the bladder or urinary tract rather than a typical early cervical cancer symptom. Weight gain is not characteristic of cervical cancer symptoms and points to other issues.

Bleeding after intercourse is a classic presenting symptom of cervical cancer. Cervical tumors tend to be friable, so the delicate cervical tissue bleeds easily with sexual activity, making postcoital bleeding a common early warning sign. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in general (especially after sex or irregular spotting) is a key clue that prompts evaluation with pelvic examination, Pap smear with HPV testing, and colposcopy as indicated.

Pelvic pain alone is non-specific and can arise from many conditions, so it is less telling for cervical cancer at presentation. Frequent urination suggests involvement of the bladder or urinary tract rather than a typical early cervical cancer symptom. Weight gain is not characteristic of cervical cancer symptoms and points to other issues.