CARING FOR PATIENTS
Uterus
Cervical canal Cervix Vagina
About cervical cancer l For
the best chance of successful treatment, the American Cancer Society recommends regular screening tests for cervical cancer beginning at age 25.
Gynecological oncologist Mary Cunningham, MD PHOTO BY SUSAN KAHN
The cancer was called an adenocarcinoma. Cunningham asked whether Alfano planned to have more children – her son, Gregory is 7 – and explained that the best treatment would be a hysterectomy, to remove the uterus and cervix. Alfano underwent a series of medical imaging scans and other preoperative tests at the same time restaurants and businesses were closing and sending workers home because of the growing outbreak of coronavirus. Surgery was a success. “I could not have been put in better hands,” Alfano says. “Dr. Cunningham is phenomenal.” The pathology report indicated Alfano would not require chemotherapy or radiation treatments. And, she says her scar has healed so well, “you can barely even tell that I was cut.” In the first year since the surgery, Alfano had checkups with Cunningham every three months. They’ll be scheduled less frequently in her second and third years. They are appointments that, even during a pandemic, Alfano says she will keep. CC
#
l Cervical
cancer usually produces no symptoms at first.
l As
the cancer grows, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain in the pelvic region or during sex, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods or after sex, bleeding after menopause, or menstrual periods that are longer or heavier than usual.
l More
advanced disease may cause swelling in the legs, problems urinating or having a bowel movement, or blood in the urine. SOURCE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
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upstate.edu/cancer l summer 2021 l C A N C E R C A R E
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