Treatment of cervical cancer

Cancer treatment is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work together with the person with cancer to decide on the best treatment plan.

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for cervical cancer are based on:

• the size of the tumour
• the stage of the cancer
• personal factors, such as the woman's age and if she wants to have children in the future
  • Fertility counselling should be done before treatment is started.
• the woman's overall health

Treatment options for cervical cancer

• surgery
  • A cone biopsy is sometimes used to treat very early cervical tumours in women who want to preserve their fertility (ability to have children).
  • A radical trachelectomy is sometimes done instead of a hysterectomy for young women with early stage cervical cancer who want to preserve their fertility.
  • A total hysterectomy is done when it is necessary to remove the cervix and uterus with very early stage (stage IA) cancer.
  • A radical hysterectomy is done when the cervical tumour is large. The cervix, uterus, part of the vagina, some of the structures and tissues near the cervix and the pelvic lymph nodes are removed.
  • Pelvic exenteration is sometimes done when cervical cancer recurs locally (within the pelvis) after being treated with radiation therapy. The cervix, uterus, vagina, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, rectum and/or bladder are removed.
• radiation therapy
  • This often includes a combination of external beam radiation therapy followed by brachytherapy.
  • External beam radiation therapy may be given to relieve symptoms of advanced disease.
• chemotherapy
  • This is often given in combination with external beam radiation therapy to make the cancer cells sensitive to the effects of radiation.
  • Chemotherapy often includes cisplatin (Platinol AQ) given by itself or sometimes in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
  • Chemotherapy may be given alone to relieve symptoms of advanced disease when further surgery and radiation are not possible.
• follow-up after treatment is finished
  • It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 3 years after treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. There are some clinical trials in Canada that are open to women with cervical cancer. For more information, go to clinical trials.

See a list of questions to ask your doctor about treatment.