Up to 80 percent of women are at risk of getting HPV, or Human papillomavirus, including those that can lead to cervical cancer.
But, you would not know if you're contracted by the virus, or even the cancer, until it's on your body and started to attack your health.
However, there are symptoms you can pay attention to, so you can notice if there's something wrong with your body and whetherit has something to do with HPV or cervical cancer.
Here are sixteen most common symptoms of cervical cancer:
1. Hard to breathe
Its not normal to feel hard to breathe. Though it is not a typical symptom of cervical cancer, it might be a sign that your health is getting worse. If you realize that you find it hard to breathe more often or for too long, go to a doctor.
2. Ulcer problem or indigestion
Sometimes you might feel uncomfortable or mild pain after eating a big portion of spicy or fatty food. However, if you often experience heartburn, ulcer problem or indigestion, or if it is too hurting, then you should see a doctor.
3. Vaginal bleeding with unclear cause
Bleeding when you are not having period might be common side effect of birth control pill. However, vaginal bleeding after sex or post-menopause should be checked by doctor.
4. Hoarse voice
Hoarse voice or throat ache might happen due to flu. However, if you have hoarse voice which does not get better after weeks, consult it to a doctor.
5. Difficulty in swallowing
Difficulty in swallowing does not always mean you are having cervical cancer, but if it keeps on going on, it's better to see a doctor since it might be one of the symptoms of cervical cancer.
6. Feeling bloated for too long
Sometimes, women just feel bloated, especially during their period. However, if it lasts for weeks or longer, you should see a doctor.
7. Wounds that do notheal
Skin heals itself and wound also heals itself around one week. But when there are spots, warts or scabs that do not heal after weeks, you should consult it to a doctor.
8. Severe night sweats
Night sweats might be caused by infection or a side effect of certain drugs. Women can also have it due to menopause. However, severe night sweat might also be a symptom of cancer and it should be checked by doctor if it happens in a long time.
9. Mouth or tongue ulcer that does notheal
People might get mouth ulcer when their body immune is weak. However, wall of mouths renew themselves every two weeks in which mouth ulcer will be healed at around this time.
However, if you are having it for more than three weeks then you should go to a doctor or a dentist.
10. Unusual change on breast
A lump on your breast is not the only reason you need to see a doctor. Pay attention to the size, form or what you feel on your breast. The change of your breast skin texture, breast pain, the change of your nipples or nipple discharge while you are not pregnant or breastfeeding are also things that you need to consult adoctor.
11. Watery stool or more often defecation
When you are having regular and watery stool, it might be caused by stomach pest or food poisoning. However, you should be careful if it lasts for 4 to 6 weeks or more.
12. Blood on urine
It might be one of the symptoms. However, if you find blood on urine, you should bring yourself to a doctor for a medical checkup.
13. Blood on feces
The most common reason why someone has blood on their feces is hemorrhoid. However, you still have to be careful since it might be a symptom of cancer. So, consult adoctor to make sure what is happening inside your body.
14. Bleeding cough
If you are having bleeding cough, go to doctor.
15. Weird pain
As we grow older, we might feel pain in certain parts of our body.
However, if the pain gets stronger and you do not know how it happens, or when it comes and goes for more than four weeks, you should see a doctor.
16. Urination problem
Urination problems include desire to urinate with urgency, more organized, inability to urinate when you need it or pain while urinating. There are a lot of possible reason how one can have it. However, you still need to consult doctor if you are having this problem.
17. Unusual swelling in certain place
Unusual swelling in any part of your body should be taken seriously, especially on neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest or breast. If you have it, check yourself to doctor.
However, you do not need to worry. Having one of the symptoms above does not always mean you are having cervical cancer.
If you want to make sure whether you are having it or not, checking yourself to a doctor is the best thing to do.
The article was previously published inHellosehat.com and all medical data have been reviewed by a licensed medical doctor.