Cervical Cancer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the opening from the vagina to the uterus.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or oncologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Self-care:

• Eat extra protein and calories: Foods may taste different during cancer treatment. You may not feel like eating, and you may lose weight. Ask for more information about the best eating plan for you. Do the following to help your body get the protein and calories it needs:
  
  
  • Eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours.
    
    
  • If you have stomach discomfort during the night, eat your last meal 2 to 3 hours before you go to bed. Raise the head of your bed, or sleep with your head up on pillows.
    
    
  • Eat when you feel hungry. Vary your foods, and eat what you want to eat.
    
    
  • Ask about adding nutritional bars and drinks to your eating plan.
    
    
  • Drink most of your liquids between rather than with meals. Liquids can make you feel full faster and prevent you from eating enough calories.
  
  
• Exercise: Ask your primary healthcare provider or oncologist about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise prevents muscle loss and can help you feel more like eating.

For support and more information:

• National Cancer Institute
  6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300
  Bethesda , MD 20892-8322
  Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider or oncologist if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new problems eating or drinking, or you have lost weight without trying.
  
  
• You have diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
  
  
• You have swelling in your abdomen or legs.
  
  
• You have to urinate urgently and often, or you cannot hold your urine.
  
  
• You cannot urinate.
  
  
• You have difficulty or pain with sex.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You are bleeding from your vagina or rectum.
  
  
• There is blood in your urine or bowel movement, or your bowel movements are black.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
  
  
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You cough up blood.

Learn more about Cervical Cancer (Discharge Care)