Symptoms
Early cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. When present, symptoms can include:
- Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
These symptoms are common and do not necessarily indicate cancer. However, unexplained or persistent symptoms should be investigated, even if cervical screening is up to date.
Screening and prevention
Australia's National Cervical Screening Program recommends HPV testing every five years for most people with a cervix aged 25–74 years. Self-collection is an option for routine screening.
HPV vaccination provides effective protection against the HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers, although regular screening remains important.
Abnormal screening results do not necessarily mean cancer is present. Most cervical abnormalities are precancerous changes that can be monitored or treated before cancer develops.
Tests and diagnosis
Assessment of an abnormal cervical screening result or suspected cervical cancer usually involves examination of the cervix and colposcopy, which allows a magnified view of the cervix and collection of tissue samples (biopsies).
In some circumstances, a larger biopsy, such as a LLETZ or cone biopsy, may be required to establish the diagnosis and assess the extent of any abnormality.
If cervical cancer is diagnosed, additional investigations such as MRI, CT or PET imaging may be recommended to determine the extent of disease and guide treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and individual circumstances. Management is generally planned through a multidisciplinary team.
Surgery is commonly recommended for early-stage cervical cancer. Depending on the extent of disease, this may involve a cone biopsy, hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy, sometimes with assessment or removal of pelvic lymph nodes.
For selected patients with very early-stage cancer who wish to preserve fertility, treatment that retains the uterus may be possible.
Chemoradiation, combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is the standard treatment for many patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Radiotherapy generally includes both external beam treatment and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy).
Additional treatments, including immunotherapy or other systemic therapies, may be appropriate in selected patients with higher-risk, advanced or recurrent disease.
Common questions
I have an abnormal cervical screening result. Does this mean I have cancer?
No. Most abnormal screening results reflect HPV infection or precancerous changes rather than invasive cancer. Further assessment, usually with colposcopy, helps determine whether treatment or monitoring is required.
Will I need a hysterectomy?
Not necessarily. Some very early cancers can be treated with a cone biopsy, while others require more extensive surgery. For locally advanced disease, chemoradiation is usually recommended rather than surgery.
Can treatment affect my fertility?
Yes. Some treatments can affect the ability to become pregnant. Fertility-preserving treatment may be possible in selected patients with early-stage disease, and these options should be discussed before treatment begins.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is needed for a Medicare rebate. Please address this to Dr Shaun McGrath at Arc Specialist Care.
Further information and support
- Cancer Council Australia: Cervical cancer
- Cancer Australia: Cervical cancer
- Australian Government: National Cervical Screening Program
Cancer Council provides free information and support on 13 11 20.
Seeing us in Brisbane
Ask your GP or specialist for a referral to Dr Shaun McGrath at Arc Specialist Care, then call us to book.
This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. Investigation and treatment recommendations depend on your specific circumstances.