Cervical Cancer

How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the cancer stage. Staging means finding out whether cancer has spread, and if so, how much. Stages are numbered 0 to IV, depending on how far it has spread. A health care provider uses a pelvic examination, blood and urine tests, x-rays, and computed tomography (CT) for staging. Additional tests such as cystoscopy and proctosigmoidoscopy (examinations with lighted tubes put into the bladder and rectum, respectively) may also be done.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy (anticancer drugs). Early cancer can be burned away by laser, frozen (cryotherapy), or cut out. Advanced cancer needs surgery such as hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Cervical Cancer:

• DO understand that good nutrition after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy is important.
• DO understand that a team of doctors, including a primary care health care provider, gynecologist, oncologist, and radiation oncologist, can be involved in care.
• DO call your health care provider if you have abnormal bleeding.
• DO call your health care provider if you have pain, bowel or urinary problems, vaginal drainage, or fever after surgery.
• DO call your health care provider if you have hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or vaginal pain with sex.

• DON’T miss follow-up health care provider appointments.
• DON’T forget to stay active. Exercising daily helps you deal with the disease.
• DON’T be afraid to ask about emotional support groups.
• DON’T forget about social workers who can help with services such as rehabilitation, home care, finances, and transportation.