8 overlooked symptoms of cervical cancer:

WHAT if your body was trying to warn you about something serious, but the signs were so subtle you missed them?

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

In South Africa, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44, according to the National Cancer Registry.

Often called the “silent killer’, it develops slowly and can go unnoticed for years. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already have spread, making treatment more complex. Most cervical cancers are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

While most HPV infections clear naturally, some persist and cause precancerous changes in cervical cells. Left unchecked, these changes can progress to cancer.

Importantly, risk isn’t confined to sexually active women. “Given the nature of cervical cancer, women, even those who are not sexually active, should undergo screening,” says Tyron Hansen, the business development manager at BioSmart.

This aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which recommend regular screening for women aged 30 and older (or earlier if at higher risk), regardless of sexual history.

Why do so many women miss the warning signs?

Early cervical cancer symptoms mimic everyday health issues: irregular periods, pelvic discomfort, or fatigue. Women often normalise these signs or blame stress, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors.

Unfortunately, this delay in recognising the signs can lead to late-stage diagnosis, when treatment becomes more challenging.

Below, we'll explore some unusual signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, why women might miss them, and why awareness is critical.

1. Unusual vaginal bleeding: