How is cervical cancer different in pregnancy?

Pregnancy can alter the cervix and cause bleeding or discharge, which may overlap with symptoms that need investigation. Screening results, examination and a biopsy can help distinguish normal pregnancy changes from abnormal cells or cancer.

The care team considers the cancer’s location, size, cell type and whether it has spread, alongside how far the pregnancy has progressed. A gynaecologic cancer specialist and an obstetric team may review the choices together.

Tell the clinician who is monitoring your pregnancy about bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, pelvic pain or an abnormal screening result. Do not delay assessment because you are pregnant. The team will choose examinations and imaging that answer the clinical question while considering pregnancy.

If cancer is diagnosed, options may include careful monitoring in selected situations, treatment during pregnancy, or treatment planned around delivery. The timing of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy depends on the cancer and pregnancy; radiotherapy is generally not given during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity or oncology team promptly for vaginal bleeding, watery or foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain, or symptoms that are new or worsening. Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain, fever, or reduced fetal movement when applicable.

Ask: What did the cervical examination or biopsy show? What tests are safe now? How advanced is the cancer? Which treatments can wait, and which cannot? How will decisions affect the pregnancy, delivery and care after birth? Who should I call day or night?