Cervical Cancer Stories
Patients Share Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Cervical cancer happens most frequently in women who are over 30 years old, but all women are at risk for a cervical cancer diagnosis.
The good news is that screening tests and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer in the first place. If detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
Explore below for in-depth cervical cancer stories from our community members, patients and survivors, who share everything from first symptoms, managing through different treatments, and navigating life with and after cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Basics
Cervical cancer develops in the cells that line the cervix (lower area of the uterus). Different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Types of cervical cancer
There are three main types of cervical cancer:
- Squamous: About 90% of cervical cancers that originate most often in the transformation zone.
- Adenocarcinoma: Make up most other cases, develop from grand cells.
- Adenosquamous: Carcinomas or mixed carcinomas: the least common, a mix of the first two.
Cervical Cancer Patient Stories
Squamous
Mila Lazarevsky, Squamous, Stage 1B
1st Symptoms: Abnormal lump in cervix area, bleeding after sex
Treatment: Chemotherapy (Cisplatin), radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy (Carboplatin + Paclitaxel
...
Marissa, Squamous, Stage 3B
1st Symptoms: Excessive and prolonged vaginal bleeding
Treatment: Chemotherapy (Cisplatin), radiation, brachytherapy
...
Brittany Wagner, Squamous Cell, Stage 4B
1st Symptoms: Spotting after sex, eventual significant bleeding at random
Treatment: Chemotherapy (Cisplatin) concurrent with radiation, 6 rounds adjuvant chemo, 2nd round radiation, immunotherapy trial, targeted therapy
...
Adenocarcinoma
Kristine Madzia, Adenocarcinoma, Stage 2B
1st Symptoms: Tumor found during postpartum pap smear
Treatment: Colposcopy with endocervical curettage, cone biopsy, total abdominal radical open hysterectomy with lymph node removal
...
Adenosquamous
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Navigating Life with Cancer
A cancer diagnosis leads to many more questions than ones about medical treatment. How do I break thew news to friends and family? Will I lose my hair? Do I need to advocate for myself right now?
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