Patient Comments: Cervical Cancer - Risk Factors
Did you have any of the risk factors for cervical cancer at the time of your diagnosis? If so, what were they?
Comment from: Savannah, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: July 29
I had always been very careful about having regular, annual GYN check-ups. So it was in December that my doctor told me I had an irregular pap test result which indicated precancerous cells (stage II) were present. I knew from previous pelvic exams that I had apparently been born with a 'cervical lesion'. This had a tendency to cause infrequent, mild infections requiring antibiotics 2-3x's over a 10 year span. However, when I returned for a second pap test in February the cervical cancer had advanced to stage IV cancer. They initially did two cryogenic fezzes if the area which did not stop the cell growth. I also required a more radical procedure, punch biopsy to remove all cancerous cells surrounding the opening of my cervix. Thankfully, this treatment has produced normal pap tests ever since. On another note, I did not have any medical coverage at that time and the hospital provided full coverage under their "uncompensated medical services” policy. I believe all hospitals have some funds set aside for just such cases, but one must simply inquire (insist!) and fill-out appropriate forms. I urge all women to get regular pap tests. It could save your life. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Timaima Dau, 35-44 Female (Patient)
Published: May 17
I was detected of cervical cancer on January this year after attending my pap smear, which I usually did at the end of every year beginning from 1994.The doctor said that it was the 1st stage but when my biopsy result came, it was in stage three. I just need to take some antibiotics and to be reviewed in the next three months. I didn't know that I had cancer because I did not experience all the signs and symptoms that the doctor said should be happening to me. So, sometimes when you get the signs, you might be in the later stages. Come on women: Attend your pap test regularly, and don't take the risk. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: k;'s grandma, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: April 14
I had regular pap tests. I was bleeding very heavy and had bad cramps. My bleeding would last for 18 to 20 days and stop for a couple days, then start all over again. I wasn't diagnosed with cervical cancer until a doctor could see the tumor, which was golf-ball size. Women have got to know that just because the pap test comes back normal does not mean everything is fine. Any big change in bleeding, and you have got to have a biopsy done. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: whaddyano, 25-34 Female (Patient)
Published: December 04
I went for my usual six-month checkup and was told that I likely had an increase in my white cell count. I was told to go to a specialist to have it further tested. I went to the specialist and had a biopsy. She told me it would require “treatments.” It turns out that I had a fast growing cancer. Four months later, I had a radical hysterectomy, and thankfully, no cancer was found in my surrounding lymph nodes, which meant the chance for a cure was great. There was no cancer before … ever. I went to my appointments every six months. I have no family history of cervical cancer (only breast cancer); I've never had any STDs; I haven't had multiple sex partners; and I don't HPV. Perhaps, when people are aware that one has cervical cancer, they won't look at it as being a "dirty woman" disease like my family did. What a disgrace! Cervical cancer happens because it happens, the risk factors increase chances. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Mel, 35-44 Female (Patient)
Published: August 19
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May. It took 11 months for the doctors to figure this out. I went to the doctor in June because of very heavy vaginal discharge. I bled on occasion during intercourse. At 1st they thought I had polyps, then they thought I had an infection and gave me antibiotics and was told to come back in three months. After three months they gave me an appointment for a colposcopy. In mid May I had my appointment for the colposcopy, but by then the tumor had grown so quickly that my only option for treatment was a radical hysterectomy and a pelvic lymphoidectomy. I had that June 4. They say they got all the cancer, but I still have to go for chemo and radiation as a preventative measure to reduce the chances of the cancer reoccurring. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Cervical Cancer - Share Your Experience
Question: Did you have cervical cancer or a precancerous cervical condition? Please share your experience.
Cervical Cancer - Diagnosis
Question: Please discuss the tests or exams that led to a diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer - Share Surgery Experience
Question: Did you have a surgical procedure to treat cervical cancer or a precancerous condition? Please share your experience.
Cervical Cancer - Treatments
Question: What treatment has been effective for your cervical cancer?
Cervical Cancer - Symptoms
Question: What symptoms did you experience with cervical cancer?
Patient Comments are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. |
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Suggested Reading on Cervical Cancer by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
19 articles-
Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites).
-
Cysts
- Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic
-
Menopause
- Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes,
-
Hydronephrosis
- Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney swells, due to a backup of urine. Hydronephrosis generally occurs with another disease.Symptoms of hydronephrosis
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
- Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal),
-
Cervical Dysplasia
- Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which the cells of the inner lining of the cervix have precancerous changes. There are two types of cervical dysplasia;
-
Genital Warts (HPV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While
-
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men)
- Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal),
-
Vaginal Bleeding
- Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly
-
Cancer
- Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer
-
Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal cancer is fairly uncommon. There are two types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Risk factors include being 60 or
-
Cancer Risk Factors
- Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing
-
Birth Control (Types and Options)
- There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization.
-
Cancer Fatigue
- Cancer fatigue is a lack of energy that is caused by cancer or cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy, or bone marrow
-
Premature Menopause
- Premature menopause is when menopause occurs in a woman before the age of 40. Causes of premature menopause include premature ovarian failure, treatments
-
Caregiving
- Most often, caregivers take care of other adults who are ill or disabled. Less often, caregivers are grandparents raising their grandchildren. The majority
-
Cancer Pain
- Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also
-
Cancer Prevention
- Certain behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to cancer. Cancer prevention involves modifying these factors to decrease cancer risk.
-
Disease Prevention in Women
- Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are commonly available through
-
Swollen Lymph Nodes
-
Medications
1 articles -
Procedures & Tests
18 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
3 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
9 articles -
Health News
85 articles -
Health Features
11 articles
I tested positive 3 years ago for the HPV virus. I have had only one abnormal pap smear in the past. I have had 2 husbands in 37 years. Which means that I have had 2 sex partners during that time. I am scared. I am also a survivor of bladder cancer with 4 surgeries for that cancer. I have been free for 3 and 1/2 years. I do not know which husband was the carrier. I am not mad at him for the symptoms are silent in men. I made the mistake of not having a new pap smear in 3 years. I lost my job and insurance so I could not afford it. I am scared. I want to learn more and pass the information to others who do not understand. That is the key/education. We must educate all ages. As I talk to people, at least 75% do not know what it is. That is scary. My grand daughter is going to be vaccinated. She just turned 15 years old. This is real!