Women's health and wellness have long been overlooked and undervalued. But issues related to the female reproductive system are so important. One concerning health problem that can impact this vital system is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a chronic disease that affects the lower part of the uterus in women all around the world. It can be an incredibly aggressive form of cancer if not caught early enough and treated properly. Thankfully, there has been a lot of research focused on understanding how cervical cancer develops and progresses, as well as treatments available to manage or cure it. In this article, we're going to look at different forms of cervical cancer treatment.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Each method of cervical cancer treatment offers a unique approach to combating the disease. These include:
- Surgery: This involves doctors surgically removing the cancer and the surrounding tissue. Before surgery, doctors first take a small piece of tissue for testing through a surgical procedure called a biopsy, which is generally the main way that cancer is detected. Various extensive procedures, such as a hysterectomy (taking out the uterus), may be used to remove cervical cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of antineoplastic drugs to treat cancer or the use of a combination of these medications for a cytotoxic standardised treatment regimen. Chemotherapy may be given with with the intent to cure, or it may aim to prolong life or alleviate symptoms.
- Radiation Therapy: This therapy uses high-energy rays similar to X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is a focused beam taking out only the cells that have been touched. Radiation therapy can be either external, which is where a machine outside of the body is used or internal, which is where a radioactive substance is placed into the body and comes in contact with the cancer cells.
Deciding on the best treatment for you can be challenging. Consult your oncologist about the available treatment options tailored to your specific cancer type and stage. Your doctor will provide a comprehensive understanding of each treatment's advantages, disadvantages, and potential side effects. Side effects refer to how your body reacts to medications or alternative therapies.