When it is found early and treated, cervical cancer is highly curable. If it is not treated, the cancer may spread to surrounding areas such as lymph nodes and nearby pelvic tissues. As the tumor gets bigger or spreads beyond the cervix, the chance of cure is less. However, combined treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy does improve the survival rate.

If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer,  discuss your cancer and treatment choices with your doctor so that you understand them. You may want to get a second opinion.  Tell your doctor if your treatment causes discomfort. Usually there are ways to relieve the discomfort.  Ask your doctor for instructions regarding intercourse, douching, or using tampons.  After your treatment, be sure to follow your doctor's schedule for checkups. Your doctor will monitor your recovery and check for recurrence of the cancer. Checkups may include a physical exam as well as Pap tests and chest X-rays. Between scheduled visits, you should contact your doctor right away if you have any health problems.

To help reduce your risk of cervical cancer. try to avoid exposure to HPV. Do not have more than 1 sexual partner. It will also help if your partner has not been sexually active with anyone else. Find out if your partner has had any sexually transmitted diseases. You can get some protection from HPV by using latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sexual intercourse. However, condoms do not completely protect against this infection, which can be spread from other parts of the body.  Ask your doctor about getting the shot (Gardasil) that prevents types of HPV infection that are a high risk for cervical cancer.  If you are or have ever been sexually active, you should have regular pelvic exams, including a Pap test. The Pap test can find cell changes in the cervix caused by HPV. Treatment of these cell changes can prevent cervical cancer. Ask your doctor how often you should have a Pap test.  If you have a Pap test with abnormal results, follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment.  Do not smoke.