Treatment for Cervical Cancer — Page 6

Cervical cancer treatment side effects

All treatments for cervical cancer have side effects, depending on the stage of the cancer and the type of treatment. Women react differently to their cervical cancer treatment, too, based on their physiology, age, health, and personal circumstances. Some women may experience more, or less, severe side effects than others.

Major surgery, such as a hysterectomy or a related procedure, can leave you tired for weeks to months. Following your doctor’s instructions as you recover and working to live the healthiest life you can, including reducing stress, can help.

In general, radiation treatment often causes fatigue, stomach upsets and diarrhea, skin irritation, and soreness in your vagina. Pelvic radiation can also result in menstrual changes and, sometimes, early menopause.

Chemotherapy is well-known for causing fatigue, hair loss, and lack of appetite. It can also trigger hot flashes, vaginal dryness, vaginal tightness, and disrupted menstrual cycles.

The most common side effects of targeted therapy for cervical cancer include elevated blood pressure, feeling tired, and loss of appetite.

Because cervical cancer treatment involves the area of your body containing the female sex organs, side effects may impact fertility and your sex life. It’s important to be open with your cancer healthcare team about your side effects and to discuss your treatment and possible sexual side effects with your partner, the American Cancer Society advises.

Even if cervical cancer treatment causes pelvic discomfort, vaginal dryness, and menopause-type symptoms like hot flashes, take heart knowing those problems will likely improve over time. In the meantime, your doctor can provide advice and therapies to help you cope.

Clinical trials for cervical cancer treatment

For some women with cervical cancer, the National Cancer Institute says participating in a clinical trial may be their best treatment choice. Patients who take part in a clinical trial may receive the standard treatment, or they may be the first to receive a new treatment being tested to halt the cancer.

Some cervical cancer clinical trials include only women who haven’t started treatment. Other studies target patients for whom treatments haven’t worked. Clinical trials also test medications that may stop treated cervical cancer from recurring. Other clinical trials test new ways to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.

Clinical trials take place in many parts of the country. To see if you are a good candidate for a clinical trial, talk to you doctor and visit the NCI website for more information. 

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