Treating cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is treated in several ways, depending on the type and how far it has spread. If diagnosed early, cervical cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the cancer and often the surrounding tissue, and with radiotherapy and chemotherapy if the tumour is large. Sometimes these treatments are combined to make them more effective.

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment method when the cancer has not spread from the cervix. Your doctor removes just the area of the cervix that contains cancer cells. For cancer that’s more widespread, surgery may involve removing the cervix and other organs in the pelvis.

Chemotherapy

Your doctor uses chemotherapy to target cancer cells that surgery cannot or did not remove, or to help the symptoms. Chemotherapy is given in cycles to give your body time to recover.

Radiation

Radiation therapy may help after surgery if your doctor believes that cancer cells might be present inside the body. High-energy rays (similar to X-rays) are used to destroy cancer cells.

Talk to your doctor about the treatment options available for your type and stage of cancer. Some treatments can have long-lasting side effects, including early menopause and infertility. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and the side effects.