Lower back pain can sometimes hide the existence of cancer, especially in women. Here is the sign that could alert you. In this case, it is imperative to consult a doctor.
Who has never had back pain after a workout or a long day at work? With the massive development of teleworking since the Covid-19 crisis, it is not uncommon to sit in front of your computer for eight to nine hours a day. And very often, the posture adopted is not the right one. A bent back, slumped over your desk, everything comes together to end the day exhausted with unbearable back pain. But in some cases, this back pain can be much more serious.
In fact, if you experience persistent back pain, it is best to consult your GP as soon as possible to remove any doubt, especially for women. Even more so if the pain is in the lower back. In some cases, this lower back pain can be the first sign of cervical cancer.
In France, 3,000 women are affected by cervical cancer each year. And nearly 1,000 of them die from it each year. Fortunately, lower back pain is not the only way to diagnose cervical cancer, or at least, the only warning sign that can alert you. In fact, there are three other symptoms: unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, or a sudden change in vaginal discharge. If one of these three cases occurs, it is best to consult a doctor to check for a possible abnormality.
In the columns of the SunDr Radhika Vohra, GP at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital says that “a cervical smear test checks whether your cervix is infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)”. In fact, the vaccine against human papillomavirus prevents infections, which are responsible for 90% of cervical cancers in women. “The vaccine is recommended for all girls and also all boys aged 11 to 14 years inclusive”, specifies the National Health Insurance.
“If HPV is detected, the cells collected during the test will be examined under a microscope to check for any unusual changes in their appearance. And if abnormal changes are detected, further investigation will be recommended, and treatment may then be necessary to eliminate these cells,” the doctor continues. This is why regular smears can be a first line of protection against cervical cancer.