A new study has discovered that women are dying from cervical cancer at a much greater rate than once thought. With a 77% higher risk of death in African-American women and a 47% higher risk of death in Caucasian women, now is the time to identify the sneaky signs of cervical cancer before it’s too late. Luckily, 93% of cervical cancer cases are preventable through early detection and HPV vaccines. Read on to find out what Dr. Jennifer Ashton wants you watch out for and when to get a screening and pap smear.

Watch: The Connection Between HPV and Cancer

Pelvic Pain

If you experience pelvic pain that is either a dull ache or a sharp pain, doesn’t seem related to your menstrual cycle, comes out of the blue, and occurs during urination or during sex, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out any issues.

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