Treatment for cervical cancer

Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of cervical cancer you have, how big it is, whether it has spread (the stage) and the grade. It also depends on your general health.  

The main treatments for cervical cancer are surgery or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy). You may also have treatment to reduce the symptoms and help you feel better. A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you.

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment options for cervical cancer

If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you might have surgery, chemotherapy with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a targeted cancer drug and an immunotherapy drug. What treatment you'll have will depend on several things.
 

Surgery for cervical cancer

Surgery is one of the main treatments for cervical cancer. Surgery might include removing most of the cervix (radical trachelectomy) or the womb (radical hysterectomy). Some people might have a pelvic exenteration for advanced cancer.

Chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer

Chemoradiotherapy means that you have chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment together. You might have it as part of your treatment for cervical cancer. 

Radiotherapy for cervical cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cervical cancer cells. External radiotherapy alongside chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) is one of the main treatments for cervical cancer. This may be followed by internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy).

Chemotherapy for cervical cancer

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream.

Targeted and immunotherapy drugs for cervical cancer

Targeted cancer drugs work by targeting the differences in cancer cells that help them to grow and survive. Other drugs help the immune system to attack cancer. They are called immunotherapies.

Controlling symptoms of advanced cervical cancer

The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer depend on where the cancer is in your body. The team looking after you will offer support and treatment to help. 

Pregnancy and cervical cancer

Treatment for cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the type of cervical cancer, its stage, how many weeks pregnant you are and what your wishes are.

Follow up after cervical cancer treatment

After treatment for cervical cancer, you have regular checkups at the hospital. You also have tests, including blood tests, x-rays and scans.

Last reviewed: 
05 Sep 2023
Next review due: 
05 Sep 2026