Cervical Cancer Treatment Center

Scientists believe that some abnormal changes in cells on the cervix are the first step in a series of slow changes that can lead to cancer years later. Precancerous changes of the cervix usually do not cause pain. In fact, because initial cervical cancer symptoms are so rarely experienced, cervical cancer is often not detected in its early stages unless a woman has a pelvic exam and a Pap test. About 15,000 women each year learn they have cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix (the lower, narrower portion of the uterus). Because cervical cancer begins in different parts of the uterus than other forms of uterine cancer, it is important to note that cervical cancer requires different cancer treatment.

Socioeconomic status is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer, since a lack of access to medical care often eliminates the opportunity for early diagnosis by Pap smear screening. Smoking, a high number of sexual partners, and early age of first intercourse are other risk factors. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections are also associated risks for cervical cancer.

Fortunately, precancerous conditions of the cervix can be detected and treated through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. (Also called a Pap smear, the Pap test is a simple procedure that enables doctors to look at cells from the cervix and identify cancerous or precancerous cells). Regular, professional gynecological examinations remain the most effective way to prevent invasive cervical cancer, especially due to the fact that early cervical cancer symptoms are so rare.

If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you should know that Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides you with the options and tools you need to focus on healing. Your cervical cancer treatment will depend on the stage of your disease, the location and size of your tumor, your age and general health, as well as other factors your doctor will discuss with you.

At CTCA, we use many tools to help you fight cervical cancer on all fronts. A powerful combination of traditional and new, innovative therapies are provided by cancer experts who work with you to determine the appropriate combination of therapies for integrative cervical cancer treatment, which may include:

• Local surgery to remove only the cervical cancer cells, when possible.
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for the most advanced form of conformal radiotherapy. IMRT employs a powerful, advanced computer program that plans a precise dose of radiation in three dimensions, based on individual tumor size, shape and location. Remarkably, this cervical cancer treatment method allows for higher radiation doses than traditional radiotherapy methods, while sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue.

In addition to the therapies described above, CTCA enriches your cervical cancer treatment by offering complementary and alternative therapies, such as naturopathic medicine, nutrition therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement and spiritual counseling. CTCA will work with you to develop an integrative cervical cancer treatment plan that’s based on your unique patient history, preferences and cervical cancer symptoms. CTCA is with you every step of the way in what is truly the fight of your life.