Cervical Cancer

If you have cervical cancer, it means you have malignant cells in your cervix, which is the neck of tissue connecting your vagina and uterus.

The most common cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, HPV vaccines make cervical cancer preventable, and not all women with HPV develop cervical cancer. Other cervical cancer risk factors include:

• Long-term use of birth control pills
• First full-term pregnancy before age 17
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Three or more full-term pregnancies
• Suppressed immune system
• Smoking

At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, we know that any cancer diagnosis is alarming. We have a team of specialists who offer leading-edge treatment options paired with the emotional and mental support you need.

Signs of cervical cancer

It’s likely you won’t notice cervical cancer symptoms until the cancer has grown and spread. That’s why regular cervical cancer screenings – Pap tests – are important to recognizing precancerous changes early.

If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause, between periods or after sex
• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual

See your doctor for a Pap test if you have these symptoms

Treating cervical cancer with integrative care

When you come to Goshen Center for Cancer Care for cervical cancer treatment, you work with a team of board certified, fellowship trained oncologists, as well as naturopathic doctors, mind-body counselors and registered dietitians. That’s because we want to treat cancer from all angles to maintain your quality of life.

Together, we create a treatment plan that’s based on the stage of cervical cancer and your preferences. Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted cancer therapy
• Surgery

Cervical cancer surgery is performed by our gynecological oncologist who is highly experienced in complex, minimally invasive gynecological surgeries.