Cervical cancer: what is the life expectancy?

Life expectancy in cervical cancer is influenced by many factors

According to Patient-Information.de , 4,600 women in Germany develop cervical cancer every year. In two-thirds, however, the cancer is discovered early, so the chances of recovery are usually good. The following advice will show you what you can do yourself to live well and for as long as possible:

• There are no blanket recommendations as to what helps you and what doesn’t. Every cancer is different and is experienced individually by every woman. 
• Take your time after the diagnosis or treatments that have already been carried out so that you can regain the feeling of a certain normality and the usual resilience.
• Your primary concern should be to prevent relapse . Talk to your doctor about this and try to follow all medical advice.
• Cancer of the cervix has definitely put a strain on you emotionally . If you are increasingly struggling with psychological, sexual or partnership problems during the treatment period or afterwards, ask about psychosocial or psycho-oncological support.
• Joining a self-help group can be very helpful . The dual role you may have as mother and wife can be challenging and stressful. In the group you can share your worries and get tips from those affected.
• The Cancer Information Center repeatedly points out that exercise and sport can improve well-being. If you can get involved in this, the domestic and professional tasks will become easier for you. For your personal training, contact a gym or an exercise group for cancer patients. Your needs are specifically addressed here.
• How long it takes until you are physically able to cope with the demands of everyday life again and what your life expectancy is depends on many factors : how far the disease had progressed when it was diagnosed, how it was treated, how old you are, what concomitant diseases are available and how did your previous cooperation during the course of the illness look like.
• Your life expectancy and how you live your life, what benefits you and what harms you, depends on your personal situation and whether you take advantage of your doctor   ‘s advice .
• Furthermore, your inner attitude towards the illness plays an important factor in the further expectation of your life. The illness is a massive turning point in your life, but you decide for yourself how you deal with it, who you let get close to you and how you continue to shape your life.

1. First process the cancer

The feelings are usually depressing and you deal with numerous thoughts after your cervical cancer diagnosis. It’s buzzing in your head, you don’t know how to proceed. This massive turning point in your life changes everything you had previously planned for the future. Doubting thoughts about the success of the treatment and whether the disease will eventually return are quite normal. You feel helpless and depressed in such situations.

But: Only you decide whether you give in to your grueling world of thoughts or whether you do something about it. Mental stress of all kinds can be combated. For more information, contact the Cancer Information Service. The Cancer Compass is also a suitable forum . You will find all the information you need to cope with your illness there.

There is probably a cancer counseling center in your region. Here you can also get information about the nearest psychotherapeutic and/or psycho-oncological counseling service. 

If you have successfully dealt with the cancer, alone or with short-term or long-term support, your life will be better again. This is the only way you can increase your life expectancy in the first step.

2. Promote your partnership

Many things that were important for your relationship and sexuality can be influenced by cancer. Adhesions as a result of surgery or radiation can cause your vagina to become dry and cause pain during sexual intercourse. As a result of the treatment, you may also lose some urine unintentionally, but from time to time. Everything that has to do with closeness and intimacy may be uncomfortable and disturbing for you.

Understandable, but in the long run this will lead to problems in your relationship . Your partner has been very understanding so far and has accompanied you the entire time. But now the treatment is over and he wants to be close to you again. Do not reject him permanently, he could cheat or turn away from you completely. Talk to your treating doctor about your physical problems and complaints. There is a solution for everything.

3. Feel good

Many women find the loss of their uterus distressing. Your actual state of health can add to the feelings of loss. Your feelings will be put to a hard test, especially when you are still very young and you may have longed to have a child.

Don’t be afraid and put aside the thought that you are no longer a complete woman. Your sexual sensitivity is not affected by a removed uterus. The pleasure sensation is just as functional as before the operation. Your doctor will tell you how long you should wait before having sex.

It will be important for the future that you feel comfortable. Do whatever is good for you. Use the sick leave after the surgery to recover. However, no one says you have to let the recovery take place at home. If you fancy a short vacation, go on vacation. And if you need a little more time, your doctor will certainly write you off sick for longer. He is also concerned that you return to your old balance.

Ask your health insurance company whether they will finance rehabilitation or a vacation. There are great offers from clinics that catch you and build you up. You will then return to your everyday life strengthened. During this time you can also think about what options are available if you wish to have children if your uterus has been removed. 

4. Absorb physical consequences

Chemotherapy and radiation in particular can have affected the outer pubic area and possibly the vaginal mucosa in the pelvic area. You can discuss suitable care and treatment measures with your doctor. Lubricants and other advice that we have already provided for you in the linked article help against vaginal dryness.

5. Watch your diet

If you eat healthily, you can definitely do something to improve your quality of life. In general, you should pay attention to your diet with any cancer, e.g. also with breast cancer . Take a close look at your previous eating habits. A nutritionist  can help you solve nutritional problems and identify nutritional deficiencies. This is even paid for by health insurance.

Cervical cancer treatment may affect your bowel movements. The mobility of the intestine can be restricted. This in turn can lead to constipation. If you are fed up with large portions, you should switch to several smaller portions and avoid flatulent foods. If the intestinal mucosa is irritated, avoid foods that irritate it even more. 

Conclusion: How long you can expect to live after your cervical cancer diagnosis depends primarily on factors such as age, treatment and the stage of the disease. But in the next step you are responsible for making your life conscious and life-sustaining. If you’re having trouble getting your life back on track, don’t be afraid to seek help. They are available to you in large numbers.