While the following symptoms don’t mean you definitely have gynaecological cancer, they can sometimes be significant — so get early advice
Abnormal bleeding or discharge
Any type of abnormal bleeding should be investigated, but bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse or post-menopausal bleeding could be a sign of cervical or uterine cancer and can occur with other gynaecological cancers as well. These symptoms should be investigated without delay.
Lumps, bumps and ulcers
Vulval cancers often present as lumps and bumps or ulcers which are easily felt without searching, so you may feel something unusual while going to the toilet or during daily activities such as walking and sitting. If your lump is persistent and won’t go away it’s time to get it checked out.
Persistent itching
This could be a sign of thrush, but if you experience itching without the accompanying symptoms it could be a pre-cancerous sign of vulval cancers.
Abdominal bloating
We all have our days of feeling bloated, especially at certain times during our cycle, but if you feel constantly bloated this may be a sign of ovarian cancer. Some ladies with these symptoms describe that they can’t fit into their jeans or trousers, but they haven’t noticed any weight gain — in fact there may be weight loss.
New onset of abdominal pain
We’re all used to a bit of tummy pain, but after the age of 45, a new onset of abdominal pain could be a sign of ovarian cancer and medical attention should be sought.