Cervical Cancer Treatment

Cervical cancer is a disease which causes an abnormal growth of cancer cells in the cervix and can be treated if spotted early enough. This disease usually occurs in women between 45 to 55 years of age, although it has been diagnosed in women both younger and older. Approximately 13,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and about 4,500 women will die from this disease because of late identification. Once a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, the overall 5-year survival rate is about 71%. The 5-year survival rate refers to the number of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is detected.

If a women is diagnosed with cervical cancer, their are three main treatment centers in the United States, which can help you learn more about the disease and get treatment. One of which is the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). This treatment center gives you the options and tools you need after you have been diagnosed. The treatments given will depend upon the age of the patient, the progression of the cancer and the general state of health of the patient. The CTCA may use one or more of the following treatment plans:

Surgery - This method is used in cancer patients who’s cancer is at an advanced stage and generally isn’t used for patients who are still in the early stages of the disease.

Radiation therapy - This is another method that may be used in alternative to surgery and just like surgery, it is used in patients who are in the advanced stages of the disease. This is the option that usually is used after a patient tries the therapies listed below, but before the patient has surgery.

The CTCA also provides alternative therapies for people in the early stages of the disease. These treatments can include nutrition therapy, mind-body therapy, image enhancement, and naturopathic medicine, among others.

Another treatment center is M. D. Anderson and is one of the biggest cancer centers in the world. Gene research at M. D. Anderson has resulted in many important discoveries, such as discovering the mutated gene in a number of different cancers. Gene-based treatments are really affective because they are used to identify the mutated genes in a person before the person develops cancer.

The third treatment center that is used often by patients with cervical cancer is the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. This center has more gynecologic oncologists specializing in cervical cancer, than any other medical center in the Pacific Northwest. This treatment center uses a variety of treatments depending on the patients needs.

Among the treatment centers listed above, The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides low-income and underserved women access to cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services such as pap tests and pelvic examinations.

A person that has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, and especially if their pap smears didn't catch their cervical cancer, may have a hard time coming to terms with that fact, but their are plenty of resources out their for any woman who needs them. Some of which are listed above. If you need help finding a resource or treatment center after you have been diagnosed, then please consult with your family physician.