19 June 2023 , 19:44
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Hundreds of women die of cervical cancer every year - and many of these suffer the "silent" symptom of lower back pain.
Back problems can be signs of a multitude of illnesses and diseases, but it is common in those suffering cervical cancer.
The condition can be cured, though, if detected and treated early.
In fact, 51 per cent of those with it survived for more than 10 years between 2013 and 2017, Cancer Research UK says.
More than nine in ten women had their cervical cancer cured after it was spotted at stage 1 - the earliest stage - data shows.
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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of the cervix (Getty Images)Approximately 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK.
Lower back pain is a common symptom, as this may be where the tumour is growing.
But eight other common symptoms include:
- Heavier periods
- Changes in your vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding in between your periods
- Bleeding during/after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- Pain during sex
- Pain in your pelvis
The human papilloma virus can cause the cancer (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)Lower back pain isn't always an indicator of any cancer though.
Medics say you should visit your GP if you have any of those symptoms, including back trouble, regardless of your age.
But cervical cancer is the most common form of the disease in women aged 35 and under.
The condition is typically caused by persistent infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is contracted through sex.
Most young women in the UK are now immunised against it, although boys aren't.