Cervical cancer and pregnancy - Is it possible for women with cervical cancer to become pregnant?

Women with early-stage cervical cancer can go for treatment options like conization and trachelectomy that can preserve their fertility if they wish to have children.

- Dr. Vidya V Bhat

If already pregnant when diagnosed in early stages, they can continue with the pregnancy and deliver by C-section. However, those suffering from late-stage cervical cancer may have to opt for IVF if they wish to become pregnant.

Hysterectomy is the preferred surgical treatment in cervical cancer from Stage 1 to Stage 2a. That is when the cancer is limited to the cervix and uterus only. Uterus-saving surgeries like Conization and Radical Trachelectomy can be done only in early stages.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if caught early. Nearly all cervical cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccination and routine cervical cancer screening. Yet, there is no popular acceptance of immunization among women in India, with the immunization rate hovering below 10%.