Late-stage cancer can cause painful symptoms and extreme stress. But there’s a lot of support for you, both physically and mentally.
Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis to receive. In some cases, if the cancer is discovered too late or is unresponsive to traditional treatments, the diagnosis may not be optimistic.
Late-stage cancer usually means a person must consider their options for end-of-life care as well as how to best manage the emotions that come with this reality.
Knowing what to expect with late-stage cervical cancer, and understanding options exist not just for maintaining comfort but considering clinical trials, can give a person a sense of control in a tumultuous time in their life.
A specific timeline of when to expect certain symptoms may not be possible with cancer.
Individual experiences vary depending on:
- when the cancer was discovered and at what stage
- what treatments (if any) were attempted
- how responsive the cancer was to any treatments
With advanced-stage cervical cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. As a result, symptoms may occur throughout the body.
General late-stage symptoms include:
- feeling unwell or tired frequently
- abdominal pain
- frequent bloating
- constipation
- frequent vomiting
Cervical cancer is also
Symptoms can vary depending on where in the body cervical cancer has spread. For example:
- Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes can also be accompanied by the feeling of swollen lymph nodes.
- Cancer that’s spread to the liver might also cause a loss of appetite or jaundice.
- If cancer has spread to the lungs, difficulty breathing and frequent respiratory illnesses are common.
- If cancer has spread to bones, frequent aches and pains in the bones as well as a heightened risk of fractures and breaks are possible.
Is late-stage cervical cancer painful?
In most cases, late-stage cervical cancer almost certainly means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The level of discomfort or pain that may be experienced depends on where within the body cancer has spread.
For example, cancer that spreads to the bones or legs may be more painful because of the associated symptoms compared with cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes.
During treatment, your primary doctor or cancer care team will work with you to find different methods of pain relief.
Getting involved in clinical research
Opting to participate in a clinical trial can sometimes be the only option for cancer diagnosed at a later stage or that’s unresponsive to traditional treatment methods.
While some oncologists may be aware of clinical trials that are recruiting participants, the best option for people with cancer and their caregivers is to actively review open trials on ClinicalTrials.gov.
People can search by the type of cancer as well as eligibility criteria, such as age and sex.
Make sure to discuss joining a clinical trial with your primary doctor, especially if it will include any changes to your treatment regimen.
A cancer diagnosis can be a devastating experience. It can lead to depression, isolation, and even thoughts of
But remember: You matter. Lean on any loved ones for support. Mental health care professionals can also help you prepare mentally for your reality and maximize the time you have.
Often, people with cancer may need to look for mental health support outside of their cancer care team. Mental health treatment is not always a standard option in many cancer care centers. However, there are therapists who specialize in helping people with cancer.
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The program serves as a preventive measure to provide people with the tools they need to cope with the intensity of advanced and late-stage cancer as well as cope with depression.
A cancer’s stage, or how far it has spread in the body, determines its survival rates. According to the
- Distant: 18%
- Regional: 58%
- Localized: 92%
It’s important to keep in mind that many factors influence life expectancy with any type of cancer, including terminal cervical cancer.
Most importantly, a person’s overall health before diagnosis, the stage of cancer at diagnosis, what treatments (if any) are attempted, and how responsive the cancer is to treatment will all affect individual outcomes.
For a better understanding of life expectancies with terminal cervical cancer, speak directly with your oncologist or primary doctor.
Palliative care can be a solution for people who have attempted cancer treatments with unsuccessful results, or for people who receive a late-stage diagnosis and opt not to undergo treatment.
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Along with medical support, during this time people with cancer and their loved ones may also have access to spiritual advisers and mental health professionals.
Another benefit of palliative care is that the process allows people to stay in their homes with loved ones, rather than being admitted to a hospital or undergoing painful and sometimes unproductive chemotherapy treatments.
As a result, people may employ home health aides to provide routine medical support, such as with pain management.
End-of-life care
Another aspect that people with end-stage cervical cancer must consider is end-of-life planning.
This can be more than simply making funeral arrangements. For example, depending on a person’s age, they may need to draft a will. Or, they may need to clearly outline expectations for healthcare choices, such as resuscitation options or refusing to participate in late-stage treatments — if any — that may contradict their wishes.
These are all topics that need to be addressed during the beginning of palliative care to prevent confusion later on. Some individuals and families also work with a “death doula” to help them prepare for life’s last transition.
Getting support for late-stage cancer
Experiencing late-stage cancer can be overwhelming and exhausting, but you’re not alone. Reach out to any of the groups below to connect with others going through the same thing you are:
Cancer is a difficult topic for anyone to discuss — even without receiving a late-stage diagnosis. However, knowing what to expect, as well as your available options, can help provide a sense of control in a situation that is incredibly challenging.
The most important factor to remember is that knowledge is power, and even if you’re in uncharted territory, you’re still in control of how you respond. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the cancer community and your loved ones for help.