Cervical cancer is the 4th-most common cancer among women worldwide, and among Singaporean women, it is the 10th most common cancer. However, the good news is that it is highly preventable!

The most common presenting symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding such as postcoital bleeding. After the cancer has advanced, symptoms may also include:

• lower back pain
• pelvic pain
• weight loss
• leg swelling

Apart from these, other symptoms such as foul-smelling vaginal discharge or even a vaginal passage that urine or faeces may pass through.

HPV presents as the main risk factor for the development of cervical cancer because of its ability to cause abnormalities in cervical cells which may turn cancerous if it not found early and managed. This is why HPV vaccinations are important as a preventative measures to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.