Cervical cancer is a type of gynecological cancer that originates in the cervix, the narrow end of the uterus connecting the uterus and the vagina. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 13,360 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025.
However, the majority of cervical cancer is preventable with HPV vaccinations and it’s extremely detectable through regular pap smears. Early detection saves lives, allowing doctors to treat cervical cancer when treatment is more effective. If you think you may have cervical cancer, don’t wait to get help. Your health matters. Screening and treatment in early stage can give you the best chance for survival.
Any woman with a cervix is at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Additional risk factors include:
- Giving birth to multiple children
- Being sexually active at a young age
- Having many sexual partners or specifically partners carrying HPV
- Having a weakened immune system, such as HIV
- Having a history of smoking
- Having a history of a previous cervix abnormality
According to recommendations from the CDC, individuals between the ages of 11 and 26 can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer by getting an HPV vaccine. This is recommended in conjunction with regular pap tests beginning at the age of 21 years old.
Recognizing the warning signs of cervical cancer is crucial for prompt treatment.
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of cervical cancer:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate management.
Cervical Cancer Treatment at NGMC
At Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), our commitment to providing exceptional care for cancer patients goes beyond just treatment. Our multidisciplinary team provides award-winning cancer care, customized to your needs. From cutting-edge medical treatments to supportive services and resources, we strive to create an environment where our patients are supported every step of the way.
Surgery for cervical cancer
Surgery is typically the main treatment for cervical cancer. Surgeries to treat cervical cancer include:
- Radical hysterectomy: this procedure removes uterus, cervix, top of the vagina, and tissues around the cervix (parmaetrium) to ensure clean margins.
- Simple hysterectomy: This procedure is selectively offered to the patient who is qualified for their cervical cancer.
- Cone biopsy: This procedure removes a con-shaped piece of the cervical tissue. This is selectively offered to the patients who would like to preserve their fertility after cervical cancer diagnosis.
- Ovaries usually are saved for cervical cancer patient who are young and premenopausal.
Open surgical approach is standard of care for patients who needs radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Clinical research shows that open surgical approach provides superior outcome to the patients who need radical hysterectomy. At NGMC minimally invasive robotic surgeries will be offered for qualified patients with cervical cancers for quicker recovery, less blood loss, and reduced bleeding.
Radiation therapy for cervical cancer
Radiation therapy is often used for the treatment of cervical cancer. Radiation therapy could be used after surgery to reduce recurrence risk or as primary treatment when cervical cancer is locally advanced beyond to be treated with surgery. Chemotherapy will be given with radiation therapy (concurrent chemoradiation) when it is used for primary treatment option for patients. Immunotherapy also be used along with chemoradiation and continued as maintenance therapy for some patients.
During external radiation therapy, powerful x-rays are beamed at the cervix from outside the body. Internal radiation therapy for cervical cancer, also known as brachytherapy, uses radioactive implants near abnormal tissue, to destroy cancerous tumors.
Chemotherapy for cervical cancer
When cervical cancer has spread distantly, chemotherapy will be the main treatment option. Target therapy and immunotherapy often use together with chemotherapy for these patients.
Targeted therapy & immunotherapy for cervical cancer
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are both used to treat cervical cancer. This treatment method uses drugs specifically formulated to target certain biomarker or characteristics of cancer cells to treat cervical cancer. These drugs kill off cancer cells, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Cancer Rehabilitation
Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) offers cancer rehabilitation services to help cancer survivors recover from negative side effects of cancer treatment including weakness and fatigue, as well as pelvic dysfunction, and lymphedema.
Patient Navigation
We offer support services to help you navigate through your cancer journey. From financial resources to nutritional guidance, and transportation assistance, our dedicated patient navigators are available to provide guidance every step of the way.
Choose NGMC for Cervical Cancer Treatment
When it comes to cervical cancer treatment, choosing NGMC means choosing advanced cancer treatments from a compassionate and experienced team. Our commitment to providing exceptional care and support sets us apart as a leading healthcare provider in the fight against cervical cancer. Trust NGMC to be your partner in your cancer journey.
For more information about cancer care at NGMC or to learn about support groups, please call 770-219-8815.