Cervical cancer is the third most common form of cancer in women throughout the world, according to MedlinePlus, a medical information website supported by the National Institutes of Health. This type of cancer affects the cervix, a part of the female reproductive system that serves as the passageway from the vagina into the uterus. Cervical cancer can cause complications in certain women who seek treatment.
Infertility
Women who have advanced or invasive cervical cancer have a high risk of becoming infertile as a complication of this disease, warn health officials at MayoClinic.com. Infertility is a cervical cancer complication characterized by the inability to become pregnant. One of the most common treatments for cervical cancer is a hysterectomy--a surgical technique involving the removal of cervix and uterus. In healthy women, the uterus is where a fetus begins to grow and develop. A woman who does not have a uterus is permanently unable to become pregnant. Women with cervical cancer who want to begin or continue growing their family should speak with a doctor about alternate family planning methods before choosing a form of cervical cancer treatment.
Treatment Side Effects
Cervical cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgical procedures, can cause side effects in women. Chemotherapy and radiation can lead to adverse side effects that include skin irritation, vaginal dryness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, recurrent infections or severe fatigue. Surgical or radiotherapy cancer treatment options can lead to complications involving bowel or bladder function, reports MedlinePlus. These cervical cancer complications of treatment can be uncomfortable and may have a significant impact on a woman's daily life and activities.
Cancer Recurrence
MedlinePlus health officials warn that certain women can experience cancer recurrence as a complication of cervical cancer. Women who choose certain treatment options to help preserve the uterus may be at an increased risk of having cancer again. All forms of cervical cancer do not respond to treatment in the same way, which may also affect a patient's risk of experiencing cancer recurrence. Women should discuss these complications with a doctor before selecting a form of cervical cancer treatment.
Death
Unfortunately, certain forms of cervical cancer do not respond to treatment and can spread throughout a woman's body. As a result, certain women can experience fatal cervical cancer complications. In 2009, over 4,000 women in the United States died from cervical cancer, reports the National Cancer Institute. Women should have a Pap test at least once annually to ensure any abnormal cervical cells are detected and treated early on.
