Cervical Cancer
When To Call a Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about calling when you have problems, new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse.
If you are concerned about your symptoms and you may have an increased risk for cervical cancer, call your health professional if you have:
- Unexpected bleeding between menstrual periods.
- Menstrual periods that are irregular or 1½ to 2 times longer than normal for 3 months in a row. For example, if your menstrual periods usually last 6 days and then they last between 9 and 12 days for 3 months in a row, call your health professional.
- Severe vaginal bleeding.
- Unexpected bleeding after douching or sexual intercourse.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.
Watchful Waiting
Regular Pap test screening is the most important tool in identifying and treating cervical cell changes before they progress to cervical cancer. After cervical cancer has been diagnosed, it should be treated. Watchful waiting is not appropriate.
Who To See
Your family doctor, general practitioner, or nurse practitioner can evaluate your symptoms and your risk factors, and can diagnose cervical cancer.
You may be referred to a specialist who can manage your cancer treatment, including a:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: January 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kevin Holcomb, MD - Gynecologic Oncology Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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