Newly Diagnosed Cervical Cancer Patients

What’s Next for Newly Diagnosed Cervical Cancer Patients?

If you’re newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, you may be overwhelmed and have many questions. Our goal is to provide some answers in hopes of helping you better prepare for what’s next. 

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You may want to download our free guide for newly diagnosed gynecologic cancer patients to use as a resource too.

Download the Guide for Women Diagnosed with Gynecologic Cancer

What Kind of Doctor Treats Cervical Cancer?

Most patients receive a cervical cancer diagnosis from a gynecologist. However, a different physician, called a gynecologic oncologist, will step in for treatment planning and surgery.

A gynecologic oncologist is highly specialized in treating cancers of a woman’s reproductive organs. They also tend to be the surgeon who removes the cancerous cells.

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The Cervical Cancer Care Team at Compass Oncology

Compass Oncology's team includes gynecologic oncologists specializing in the needs of cervical cancer patients in Portland, Tigard, OR, and Vancouver, WA. In addition to your gynecologic oncologist, who also performs surgery, your cancer care team may include the following: 

Radiation Oncologist
This type of oncologist plans and oversees any radiation therapy used as part of the cervical cancer treatment process.
Advanced Practice Providers (APP)
The medical professionals work alongside your gynecologic oncologist to assist with appointments and make sure your treatment is going according to plan. Talk to them about how you’re feeling and any side effects, just as you would the oncologist.
Radiation Technicians/Therapists
They will help position you for radiation treatments so that the radiation is delivered in the same place during every session.
Infusion Nurses
If medical oncology treatments such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy are needed, these nurses will be present to administer the drugs through an IV line or an access port.
Genetic Counselor
Because cervical cancer can have a genetic connection to the mutated BRCA gene, a genetic counseling session may be set up to discuss genetic testing.
Dietitian
This person will help you choose foods that are best for you while undergoing cancer treatment.
Together this team helps patients with the treatments as well as the emotional and mental aspects of cancer treatment. Try to be open about how you’re feeling physically and emotionally so they can guide you to the right resources.
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Download Now

Free Guide for Newly Diagnosed Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Get helpful tips from our team on what to expect and how to prepare your mind and body for gynecologic cancer treatment. 

We hope this guide will make your path to cervical cancer treatment a bit smoother.

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About Cervical Cancer

 
 

What Is the Extent of My Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer stages are typically expressed as a number that ranges from stages I (1) through IV (4). As a rule, a lower number reflects less spread, while a higher number reflects a more advanced cancer. Within each stage number, a corresponding stage letter (A, B, or C) provides additional information regarding the cervical cancer stage. 

The stages of cervical cancer can be complex. Be sure to talk with your oncologist if there is something you don’t understand. Read more about how cervical cancer is staged.

Which Cervical Cancer Treatments Will I Receive?

The treatment of cervical cancer involves a variety of factors, including your cervical cancer type and stage, age, personal preferences, overall health, and the possible side effects. Gynecologic cancer treatment options include: 

  • Surgery
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy

Your Compass Oncology team will evaluate your situation and recommend the most effective treatment options.

Should You Consider a Cervical Cancer Clinical Trial?

Compass Oncology’s cancer specialists participate in cervical cancer research in hopes of being able to find and provide new treatments to patients. Research trials are now available at all of our locations throughout the Portland-Vancouver area. Talk to your cervical cancer specialist to find out if a clinical trial is right for you.

Preparing for Your First Appointment

At your first oncology appointment, you’ll receive a lot of information in a short period of time. Here are some useful tips on remembering what you're told and keeping track of questions you'd like to ask your cervical cancer specialist.

Keep a Notebook

To help stay organized, keep a notebook to record important information. This notebook can include information such as how you’re feeling and what medicines or supplements you’re taking to any questions, thoughts, or observations you have regarding appointments and procedures. Try to put a date on everything you write down in your notebook.

If a method other than paper works better for you, such as the notes feature on your smartphone, then commit to using it regularly. Having information written down (and on hand) can help keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctors.

Questions to Ask Your Specialist

  • Has my cancer spread past the cervix?
  • What is my cervical cancer's extent (stage), and what does it mean?
  • What type of surgery is recommended for me?
  • How long will my recovery time be?
  • Will there need to be any other treatments? If yes, what would they be?
  • How long after surgery will my other treatments start?
  • Will I receive any treatments before surgery?
  • What kind of side effects should I expect from the treatments?
  • How often will I receive treatments?
  • Should I see any other types of doctors during treatment? If so, what types?
  • Should I consider genetic testing?
  • Will I be able to have sex after treatment is complete?
  • Will I be able to have children after treatment? 
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After Cervical Cancer Treatment

Your doctors will want to monitor you closely after cervical cancer treatment. It’s very important to go to all of your follow-up appointments. These visits give your doctor an opportunity to address your questions and concerns, look for treatment-related side effects, and discuss whether or not additional treatments are necessary.

Our cancer center also offers several resources for gynecologic cancer patients and survivors to assist with treatment side effects, fertility, and general support.

Should I Get a Second Opinion About My Diagnosis and Treatment Plan?

At Compass Oncology, we want you to be informed and feel confident about your cervical cancer diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. This is why we encourage you to get a second opinion. Our cervical cancer doctors offer many second opinions on diagnosis and treatment options. Insurance often covers second opinions; however, it’s still a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly to verify your coverage. 

Watch the video below to learn about the importance of a second opinion for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The oncologists at Compass Oncology are available to discuss your test results, cancer diagnosis, and options for treatment.

Gynecologic Cancer Specialists Caring for Patients
in Portland-Vancouver

We provide the latest cervical cancer treatments to patients at all of our cancer centers in Tigard, Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA. Choose one that's convenient for you to request a consultation. 

East Office

5050 NE Hoyt St., Suite 256, Portland, OR 97213 Near Providence Hospital

Rose Quarter Cancer Center

265 N Broadway
Portland, OR 97227

Vancouver Cancer Center

210 SE 136th Avenue,
Vancouver, WA 98684

West Cancer Center

12123 SW 69th Avenue,
Tigard, OR 97223

Download the Guide for Women Diagnosed with Gynecologic Cancer