You had previous genital or vaginal cancer. Your sexual partner's previous partner had cervical cancer or abnormal cervical cells. Your sexual partner has or had cancer of the penis. You smoke cigarettes. Early cervical cancer causes no symptoms, though bleeding or spotting between periods or after intercourse can be a symptom of cervical cancer.
Most women have no symptoms.
The cancer is usually detected at the time of the annual Pap smear and pelvic exam. This is why women should start having Pap smears and pelvic exams as soon as they become sexually active. Healthy young women who have never been sexually active should have their first annual pelvic exam by age 21. Eventually, a woman who has cervical cancer will notice abnormal vaginal bleeding or a bloodstained discharge at unexpected times, such as between menstrual periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Abnormal vaginal discharge may be cloudy or bloody or may contain mucus.