Treatments for Cervical Cancer

by Amy Scholten, MPH

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The goal is to remove as much cancer as possible. It is also to protect the cervix and its function. Sometimes more treatment is needed. This may be to help keep the cancer from spreading or coming back.

Treatment often includes several approaches. The most common ones are surgery and radiation therapy. Sometimes chemotherapy or biologic therapy is used. It depends on the site and size of the tumor, as well as the stage of the cancer. A patient's age, health, and the outlook of the cancer are also considered. If cervical cancer is advanced, comfort care can be given.

Certain issues can affect treatment plans. Pregnancy can change or delay treatment. Other treatments may affect a women's ability to have children. The patient and doctor can address these concerns.

Treatment will be guided by a health care team. It includes doctors, surgeons, nurses, and pharmacists.

Cervical cancer treatment includes:

Alternative and complementary therapies

Sometimes people with cancer take part in clinical trials. These are studies to test new treatments. The US National Institutes of Health website has more information.

REFERENCES:

Cervical cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cervical-cancer. Accessed April 21, 2021.

Cervical cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/gynecologic-tumors/cervical-cancer. Accessed April 21, 2021.

Hu Z, Ma D. The precision prevention and therapy of HPV-related cervical cancer: new concepts and clinical implications. Cancer Med. 2018 Oct;7(10):5217-5236.

Treating cervical cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treating.html. Accessed April 21, 2021.

Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq#section/_180. Accessed April 21, 2021.

Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 4/21/2021

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