Cervical cancer affects the cells within the cervix, which is connected to the lower part of the uterus and vagina. The majority of cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus is attacked by the body’s immune system and is generally harmless, but sometimes the cervical cells turn cancerous. There are vaccinations to help protect against HPV and cervical cancer and early detection can help keep it from spreading. Regular pap smears every year can help detect cervical cancer.

1. Radiation and chemotherapy
This is one treatment for cervical cancer and they are used together to kill cancer cells. A low dose of a chemo medication is given while receiving radiation treatments. The radiation treatments are given 5 days a week in a cycle of 6 to 7 weeks. If the cancer has spread then this treatment will be used to attack all the different cancer cells in the body.

Some side effects can include:

● Tiredness

● Upset stomach

● Nausea and vomiting

● Skin changes

Once treatment has been completed, the side effects tend to slowly improve.

2. Targeted Therapy
This type of treatment will target blood vessels. By stopping the growth of blood vessels to the tumor it is unable to continue to grow. When used with other therapies, it can help to get rid of the cancer.

Like other medications it does have some side effects, such as:

● High blood pressure

● Feeling tired

● Loss of appetite

This treatment may not work for everyone but it is started with chemo so that the tumor does not continue to grow.

3. Radical hysterectomy
Though this is an invasive procedure, it is a very common treatment for cervical cancer, especially in the earlier stages and for those between the ages of 20 and 40. For this treatment, the individual will have a surgery to remove the uterus and all of the connecting parts, including the womb and cervix, tissues holding the womb in place, the top of the vagina, and all the lymph nodes around the womb. Ovaries will generally be left if you have not already been through menopause. After the surgery the individual will need to stay in the hospital for at least 5 days and then continue to recover at home for another month or two. This is to watch for any infection and to give the body time to heal from this invasive procedure. As with any surgery there are associated risks.

Those risks include:

● Infection

● Scar tissue

● Vaginal bleeding

● Bleeding in the pelvis or abdomen

● Bladder or bowel issues

● Blood clots

● Numbness and swelling in the legs

Though the cancer can still return, it is not as likely and doctors will continue to keep watch for the return of the cancer.