Cervical Cancer Series 15: Recognizing and Monitoring Cervical Cancer Recurrence
Finishing cervical cancer treatment can bring a sense of relief after a difficult period. But it can also bring a new concern. “How will I know if the cancer comes back?” A minor pain or change in your body may make you wonder whether the cancer has returned. On the other hand, if you feel well, you may question whether you still need regular follow-up visits and tests. After cervical cancer treatment, good follow-up care does not mean having as many tests as possible because of fear of recurrence. The foundation of recurrence monitoring is attending scheduled follow-up visits, paying attention to new changes in your body, and having appropriate tests when they are needed. Follow-up care is also about more than looking for cancer recurrence. It provides an opportunity to identify and manage long-term effects of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments, as well as to monitor your overall health. What Does Cervical Cancer “Recurrence” Mean? Recurrence means t...