Aftermath of Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Once a patient is diagnosed with cervical cancer, the chances of recovery depend on a number of factors. These include the stage of the cancer and whether it has affected only the cervix or has attacked other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes. The physician will need to determine the type of cervical cancer—whether squamous cell or adenocarcinoma.

The size of the tumor is also important, as the more enlarged it is the worse the prognosis is likely to be. The patient’s age, overall health, and desire to have (more) children need to be considered as well. X-rays of the chest and lymphatic system may be taken to determine how far the cancer has spread. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scans can also be carried out to determine the stage of the cancer.

All the above factors influence the treatment that the patient is likely to opt for. With the physician’s help she can decide on surgery (radical or total hysterectomy), chemotherapy, or radiation treatments. These are the standard treatments but she can also decide to volunteer for a clinical trial that is testing out a new treatment.

Patients can compliment the standard treatment by opting for alternative treatment under homeopathy, ayurveda, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, or herbal medicine—but this will depend on their own beliefs in such holistic systems.

With all this there should also be an emphasis on general health, diet, and exercise. It is very necessary that the patient keep a positive frame of mind. It is vital to keep active and happy, and not brood about the disease or its treatment. There are many support groups for cancer victims as well as help and advice from cancer survivors.