Cervical cancer care

Advocate Health Care offers comprehensive diagnostic testing, treatment options and lifelong care for women with gynecologic cancers and pre-cancerous conditions. Early identification and treatment of precancers helps to prevent cellular changes from turning into cervical cancer.

Find an Advocate Cancer Institute near you

Cervical cancer symptoms

There generally aren’t any symptoms of cervical cancer in its early stages, but routine pelvic examinations and Pap smears can detect precancerous conditions that often can be treated before cancer develops.

The most common cervical cancer symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.

Left undiagnosed, other symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Heavy periods that last longer than usual
• Pelvic pain including pain during sex
• Increased vaginal discharge

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

From Pap smears to colposcopies, Advocate Health providers use a number of tests and procedures to screen women at high risk or those suspected of having cervical cancer. You may be considered high-risk if you have certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection almost all sexually active people have at some point.

Annual screenings by your primary care physician or gynecologist check for abnormal cervical tissue and infections such as HPV. These visits are the first line of defense against cervical cancer. Learn more about cervical cancer screenings

Treatments & therapies for cervical cancer

If you’re diagnosed with cervical cancer, rest assured you have some of Illinois’ best experts by your side. Together, our multi-skilled team will work closely with you to create a personal cancer treatment plan, which may include the latest surgical techniques to remove cancerous cells.

Support during cancer care

We’re committed to caring for the whole you and providing the resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cervical cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of free or low-cost cancer support services – from education to rehabilitation, nutritional to spiritual counseling support groups, and more empowering programs.