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The evidence-based recommendations described below outline the standard follow-up procedures for cervical cancer surveillance once you have finished your treatment and are intended to help you and your primary care provider in knowing the most updated information for follow-up care. These recommendations are not a substitute for your cancer doctor or primary care provider’s clinical judgement and advice.
ON THIS PAGE:
Follow-up|Manage Side Effects|Know Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Returning|Specific Concerns|Support & Recommendations|Ongoing Care
Remember: it is your responsibility to book your follow-up visits with your primary care provider so they can arrange the tests you need.
Since you are doing well, your primary care provider will be in charge of your recommended follow-up, which includes:
We recommend a gynecologic exam with your primary care provider (family doctor, gynecologist or nurse practitioner). This should include an internal vaginal exam (with Pap smear if you were not treated with radiotherapy), an internal rectal exam, and a review of any symptoms you may have. You will need to do this at least every year (your cancer doctor will have explained to you how often this needs to be), for the rest of your life.
You will not need other tests like blood tests or x-rays for your regular follow-up unless your primary care provider asks for them.
If you need a family doctor, you can find one by calling Health Link (811) or visit Alberta Find a Provider. Once you have a doctor, let them know they can view the healthcare provider follow-up recommendations at ahs.ca/guru.
Most treatment side effects will get better several weeks and months after your treatment, but it is important to tell your primary care provider about any of your side effects or emotional concerns so they can help you.
The After Treatment Book also has suggestions for managing common side effects and concerns. If you need more information, your cancer centre and the Cancer Care Alberta website has detailed patient education materials to help with Managing Symptoms & Side Effects.
A list of general symptoms of cancer recurrence is found in the After Treatment Book, see page 11.
If these symptoms start and do not go away, call your primary care provider. They may do tests to see if the cancer has come back or refer you back to the cancer centre.
Sometimes patients wonder if they should have the HPV vaccine. While this vaccine is recommended for females 9 to 45 years old, and males 9 to 26 years old, you do not need to get the vaccine if you had cervical cancer.
If you are interested in more information about the vaccine for family or friends, visit Screening For Life - What is the HPV Vaccine?.
Menopause is the time when you stop having menstrual periods because of changes in your body’s hormone levels. For people who have treatment for cervical cancer, menopause happens because of radiation treatment or removal of the ovaries. Symptoms, such as hot flashes, can happen in menopause.
For help managing menopause symptoms, or if you have questions or concerns, talk with your primary health care provider. Other suggestions are included in the After Treatment Book.
Treatment for cervical cancer can impact your sexual function, health, relationships, and sometimes causes distress over body image. There are things you can do to help manage physical concerns, such as pain with sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. Strategies and support are also available to help you and your partner with intimacy problems, distress, and adjusting to these changes. See Sexual Health & Cancer for resources to help you, and contact information to book an appointment with our Sexual Health Consultants.
If there are any concerns about your treatment or cancer returning, your family doctor will refer you back to us.
Note: The follow-up care information on this page is for people who have finished cervical cancer treatment and is based on sample End of Treatment and Transfer of Care letters from the Cancer Guidelines website. These letters have been reviewed and approved by the Provincial Tumour Teams.
This information can help you and your primary care provider understand what follow-up care you may need. It does not replace the advice of your cancer doctor or primary care provider.
At the end of your treatment, your cancer doctor may send you a similar letter with recommendations that are specific to your care.
For health advice 24/7 phone 811 a free health information service. You have options to speak with a variety of health professionals.
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