responds to other types of treatments.
Gemcitabine (Gemzar and others) and cetuximab. These targeted treatments can slow or stop the growth of cervical cancer cells.
If you experience any of these treatment side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse immediately:
• Fever or chills;
• Heavy bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge;
• Severe pain;
• Redness or discharge from incisions;
• Problems urinating or having a bowel movement;
• Shortness of breath or chest pain.
You should also work with your health care team to manage the following possible life changes due to cancer treatment:
Premature Menopause and Sexual Side Effects
For premenopausal women under age 50 who have a hysterectomy that includes removal of the ovaries, the procedure may cause premature menopause. Estrogen therapy may be prescribed if the woman is young or experiences menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
Some women may also experience vaginal dryness after hysterectomy, which can affect their sexual well-being. Many effective prescription and over-the-counter treatments are available to correct vaginal dryness. Most of them are estrogen-based products in cream, gel or other forms. Discuss with your doctor the best option for you.
Before using complementary or alternative treatments such as vitamins or products containing plant-based estrogens, talk to your doctor about the product’s safety and effectiveness.
Avoid using certain products that may irritate the vagina, including douches (especially ones containing vinegar or yogurt), scented lotions, antibacterial or fragrant soaps, bubble baths and bath oils.
Changes in Fertility
Cancer treatments can affect your ability to conceive a child. It’s important to talk to your doctor before treatment to discuss your options for preserving your fertility, even if you aren’t sure you want to have children in the future. The surgical procedure called trachelectomy, discussed on page in the chapter on treatments, can benefit some women with early cervical cancer who wish to become pregnant.
Maintaining Good Nutrition
Eating well is important before, during and after cancer treatment. You need the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight. You also need enough protein to keep up your strength. Eating well may help you feel better and have more energy.
Sometimes, especially during or soon after treatment, you may not feel like eating. Perhaps foods don’t taste the same as they used to. Ask your doctor about speaking with a registered dietitian who can suggest ways to help you meet your nutritional needs.
HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer and abnormal cervical cells. Up to 80 percent of people have been exposed to HPV at some point in their lives.
Although HPV can be spread during vaginal, anal and oral sex, such contact does not have to occur for the infection to spread. All that is needed is skin-to-skin contact with an area of the body infected with HPV.
Women who have had more than one sex partner are more likely to get infected with HPV, but a woman who has had only one sex partner can still get infected. Even women who are not sexually active can become infected with HPV through skin-toskin contact with an infected person.
Condoms provide some protection against HPV, but they do not completely prevent infection. Still, men who regularly use condoms are less likely to be infected with HPV and pass it on to their partners.
Vaccines are available that can protect against certain HPV infections. Some can also protect against infections with other HPV subtypes, including those that cause anal and genital warts. These vaccines only work to prevent HPV infection— they will not treat an infection already present. That is why, to be most effective, the HPV vaccine should be given before a person becomes exposed to HPV.
These vaccines help prevent precancers and cancers of the cervix. The HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys 11 or 12 years old.
Q. I’m 65 years old and have received Pap tests in the past. Do I need to continue this testing?
A. If you have had three negative Pap 