Our Approach to Cervical Cancer

The gynecologic oncology program at Siteman Cancer Center is the largest in the Midwest. Beyond our gynecologic cancer physicians, our team includes radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurses, a psychologist, and a social worker. A multidisciplinary team meets weekly to discuss all cases, and includes all gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and nurse coordinators. The result is that each patient has the full team of specialists reviewing their case and determining best treatment options. Experienced nurses will spend time with you, answering your questions and putting you in touch with resources that may help during this stressful time. These nurses offer patient literature on your condition, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and other related issues. As a unique feature of your care, we also offer the services of a palliative care specialist who can help you fit treatment into your own special circumstances, if needed. Siteman has a holistic approach to treatment with counseling and medication for anxiety. Cervical cancer affects almost 13,000 women a year. Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV) is almost always the cause of cervical cancer. Not all women with HPV infection, however, will develop cervical cancer. Women who do not regularly have tests to detect HPV or abnormal cells in the cervix are at increased risk of cervical cancer. There are vaccines to prevent HPV in girls and young women who do not have HPV.

Fertility Preservation

Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine offer the latest fertility preservation treatments for both men and women who undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to treat or prevent their cancer. Specialists in our Infertility and Reproductive Medicine Center offer oocyte (egg) and embryo banking as well as sperm banking through cryopreservation (freezing). As a member of the National Oncofertility Consortium, Washington University also is researching other promising fertility-preservation procedures, such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Siteman cancer physicians are actively involved in clinical trials that investigate new chemotherapy regimens, and other approaches to cure. Having your cancer treated at Siteman gives you access to new therapies that are as good as – or potentially better than – current standard therapies available elsewhere.