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Undergoing cancer treatment is not an easy task. Intensive therapies, physical changes, and fear of recurrence are common among women who have undergone cervical cancer treatment. However, recovery does not end with the end of treatment. Survivors may have to deal with long-term physical, emotional and sexual changes.
Knowing what to expect after treatment can help you prepare and be more confident about the future.
Here are 8 things you should know if you have had or have cervical cancer.
1. Survival could mean adapting to a “new standard of normal.”
The emotional, physical and mental toll of treatment can last long after treatment ends. “Many survivors experience fatigue, sexual changes, early menopause symptoms and stress related to possible recurrence,” said Dr. Kathryn Miller, gynecologic oncology specialist at Capital Women’s Care. “The most important thing is that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. We can anticipate many of these difficulties and provide treatment or facilitate access to early help.”
2. Treatment could affect your fertility and reproductive health
Cervical cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, and certain chemotherapy drugs can affect fertility. They can cause damage to the ovaries, uterus and cervix, the most important organs for pregnancy.
The good news is that there are methods to preserve fertility. “For women who still want to have children [biológicos]“We always try to discuss fertility preservation options before starting treatment, such as a cervixectomy (removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus) or freezing eggs or embryos,” Miller said.
Read: Pregnancy and Cervical Cancer: Know Your Options >>
3. It is advisable to pay attention to lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling that can occur after radiation therapy, pelvic surgery, or the removal of lymph nodes. It often manifests itself on the arms and legs, but can also affect other areas of the body.
Lymphedema is a common symptom following treatment for cervical cancer, so it is important to recognize it. “If you notice a feeling of heaviness, pressure or swelling in your legs, notify your care team immediately. The sooner you address it, the better the clinical outcome,” Miller said.
4. Social relationships can change
A cancer diagnosis can change the dynamic between your family, your friends, and especially your partners. Survivors may have to deal with emotional and physical intimacy after treatment, which could impact their relationships.
Miller said open communication is key. “Counselling, whether through individual or couples therapy, can make a significant difference,” she explained. “Support groups with other survivors could also provide a sense of social connection and shared solidarity.”
5. Vaginal changes are common, but there is help available
Many survivors notice changes in their vagina after treatment. These changes may include dryness, a shorter or thinner vagina, and pain during sex. If you experience discomfort, there are some options you can discuss with your healthcare provider (HCP).
This includes:
“It’s also important to speak openly with your doctor about any pain or bleeding. There are solutions and you don’t just have to live with it,” Miller added.
6. Ostomies are rare, but be prepared just in case
A stoma creates an opening (a stoma) in your stomach to collect stool or urine in a removable bag. Miller said most cervical cancer survivors don’t need it unless the disease is at an advanced stage or the surgery requires removal of the bladder or rectum.
“If required [una ostomía]“We spend a lot of time preparing patients so they know what to expect and giving them access to caregivers who have experience with ostomy care,” she said. “Many people can enjoy a full, active life with a stoma.”
7. Surgical menopause could occur
Operations such as removal of the ovaries (oophorectomies) or the uterus (hysterectomies) can trigger the onset of menopause. This happens when the ovaries or uterus are removed. Miller explained that surgical menopause can reduce estrogen and progesterone levels.
This decline can cause the following symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options. “We work closely with patients to manage these symptoms, sometimes with hormone replacement (if safe for their specific type of cancer), sometimes with non-hormonal medications, and always with lifestyle support to maintain bone and heart health,” Miller said.
8. Inequalities can affect survival
Not all survivors receive equal access to care. Factors such as racism, lack of access to quality care, socioeconomic status, age and diagnostic delays could complicate recovery. These challenges often primarily affect low-income survivors and women of color.
One study showed that black and Hispanic women were more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic white women. Black women also have the highest mortality rates and lowest survival rates from a type of cervical cancer called cervical adenocarcinoma.
“As health care providers, we have a responsibility to recognize these disparities and help eliminate barriers by providing patients with access to community resources, patient orientation programs and financial counseling,” Miller said. “All survivors deserve equal access to quality care, regardless of their background.”
Life after treatment can present many challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you notice any changes in your emotional, mental or physical health, please contact your doctor. He can help you create an individual therapy plan. This plan can help manage symptoms, promote recovery, and maintain your quality of life.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.
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