Understanding Cervical Cancer

What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Some cervical cancers grow slowly, while others grow faster. If it is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, like the bladder, liver, or lungs. This is called metastasis.

Symptoms to Watch For

Call your doctor if you notice:

Unusual bleeding, especially after sex or between periods
Persistent pelvic pain or swelling
Fever, infections, or sudden changes in appetite or weight
Shortness of breath, coughing, or stomach problems

Tip: Keep a simple daily log of your symptoms to share with your nurse or doctor.

Treatment Overview

Common treatments for cervical cancer include:

Surgery – removing cancer from the cervix or uterus
Chemotherapy – medicines that kill cancer cells
Radiation – using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
Immunotherapy – medicines that help your body fight cancer

Possible side effects:

Feeling tired or weak
Nausea or vomiting
Mouth sores or skin changes
Hair loss

Home tips:

Take medicines exactly as prescribed
Wash hands often and avoid sick people if your immune system is low

Nutrition and Hydration

Eat foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories to help your body heal
Eat small, frequent meals if you feel nauseated or have low appetite
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness

Activity and Safety

Gentle exercises like walking or stretching are helpful
Rest when you feel tired
Be careful to avoid falls, especially if you feel weak or dizzy

Infection Prevention

Wash hands often
Avoid crowds or sick people if your immune system is weak
Watch for signs of infection: fever, redness, swelling
Contact your doctor right away if you notice these signs

Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling scared, sad, or worried is normal
Ask for help from counselors, support groups, or spiritual advisors
Talk openly with your family or caregivers about how you feel

Follow-Up and Self-Care

Go to all your doctor appointments, lab tests, and scans
Perform self-exams if recommended by your doctor
Watch for urgent signs: sudden swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or heavy bleeding

When to Call vs. Go to the ER

Call your home health nurse or doctor for mild symptoms or side effects you can manage at home
Go to the ER immediately for severe symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding, trouble breathing, or sudden chest pain

Patient Empowerment

Keep a simple written guide of your care plan
Ask questions like: “What changes should I call my nurse about?”
Reliable resources:
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Cervical Cancer True/False Quiz

True or False: Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
True or False: Cervical cancer always grows very quickly.
True or False: Cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body, like the bladder, liver, or lungs.
True or False: Only women can get cervical cancer.
True or False: Unusual bleeding, especially after sex or between periods, is a symptom to watch for.
True or False: Persistent pelvic pain or swelling is not related to cervical cancer.
True or False: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medicine to kill cancer cells.
True or False: Surgery cannot be used to remove cervical cancer.
True or False: Hair loss can happen as a side effect of some cervical cancer treatments.
True or False: Eating foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories can help your body heal.
True or False: Drinking plenty of water is not important for cervical cancer patients.
True or False: Gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, is encouraged if you feel able.
True or False: Patients should avoid crowds if their immune system is weak.
True or False: Redness, swelling, or fever may be a sign of infection that should be reported to a doctor.
True or False: Feeling scared, sad, or worried about cervical cancer is normal.
True or False: You do not need to go to follow-up appointments after starting treatment.
True or False: Self-exams may be recommended if your doctor says it is safe.
True or False: Sudden chest pain or heavy bleeding is an emergency and you should go to the ER.
True or False: Patients should never ask questions about their care plan or symptoms.
True or False: Reliable resources for learning more about cervical cancer include the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix.
False – Some cervical cancers grow slowly; others may grow faster.
True – Untreated cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
True – Only people with a cervix can get cervical cancer (typically women).
True – Unusual bleeding is an important symptom to report.
False – Persistent pelvic pain or swelling can be a warning sign of cervical cancer.
True – Chemotherapy uses medicine to target and kill cancer cells.
False – Surgery is commonly used to remove cervical cancer.
True – Hair loss can occur with some treatments, like chemotherapy.
True – Proper nutrition helps the body heal and recover.
False – Staying hydrated is important for overall health and recovery.
True – Gentle activity helps maintain strength and circulation.
True – Avoiding crowds reduces the risk of infections when immunity is low.
True – Redness, swelling, and fever may indicate infection and require medical attention.
True – Emotional reactions to cancer are normal and should be supported.
False – Follow-up appointments and scans are critical to monitor progress and catch complications early.
True – Self-exams may be suggested by a doctor to detect changes early.
True – Sudden chest pain or heavy bleeding requires immediate medical care.
False – Patients should ask questions to understand their care and prevent complications.
True – The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute are trusted sources for information.