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8 little known symptoms of cervical cancer you should watch out for
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Do you know these symptoms? - photo by Lindsey Miller
We hear all about the symptoms of breast cancer on a regular basis, but theres another type of cancer that is common in women: cervical cancer. According to Cancer.net, Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells on the surface of the cervix change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor.

According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the cancer isnt easy to catch in the early stages, because there arent noticeable symptoms. In order to catch cervical cancer and start treatment, women are advised to get a pap smear once a year, starting at age 21.

However, if you feel like somethings off and you still have a while until your next yearly appointment, its important that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer and see a doctor right away. Here are some of the symptoms you should watch out for:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge

Any changes to your period should be discussed with your doctor. If your flow gets heavier than usual, youre bleeding when youre not supposed to be or if you have unusual discharge, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible to find the cause. It may not even be cervical cancer, but it's important to find the cause of any period irregularity.

2. Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is also a symptom of cervical cancer. According to Prevention, it can be anything from a sharp pain to a dull ache. If this pain is new, recurring and is unrelated to your cycle, youll want to talk to your doctor.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

Pain during sex can be caused by many other things, but if youre suddenly feeling pain when you never have before, it could be a sign of cervical cancer. Dont panic and assume you have cancer though bring up your concerns with your doctor to figure out whats going on.

4. Leg pain or swelling

You might experience leg pain or swelling when your cancer is in more advanced stages. See your doctor immediately if this occurs. Even if its not cervical cancer, you can prevent or fix any other health problems that might be the culprit.

5. Bone fractures

Bone fractures are another sign of a more advanced cervical cancer. When the cancer spreads, it can affect your bones, causing them to fracture easily.

6. Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can come from many different health problems, but keep cervical cancer in mind when you experience this symptom (especially if paired with others on this list). If you experience a drop in weight and you havent changed your diet or exercise routine, you should talk to a doctor.

7. Bleeding after menopause

If youve already been through menopause and you start experiencing vaginal bleeding, you should see a doctor to figure out whats wrong. This is a common symptom of cervical cancer and should be looked at immediately.

8. You have a history of smoking

This isnt a symptom of cervical cancer, but its definitely a risk factor. If you smoke or have a history of smoking, Prevention warns that your tobacco habit could roughly double [your] risk for the disease.

If you have any of these symptoms, dont jump to conclusions and assume you have cervical cancer. Take a deep breath, call your doctor and stay calm. If you do end up having this type of cancer (or any other ailment), your doctor will walk you through the next steps you need to take.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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