Questions to ask: Cervical cancer

Diagnosis

• What type of cervical cancer do I have?
• What stage is my cancer? Has it spread to lymph nodes?
• Do I need a pelvic MRI or PET-CT scan?
• Has my tumor been tested for PD-L1?
• Is the goal of treatment to cure the cancer?
• Will my care be led by a gynecologic oncologist?
• Is surgery or chemoradiation the better fit for my stage?
• Can my fertility be preserved?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• Should my children get the HPV vaccine?

Before

• What treatment do you suggest, and why?
• If I have surgery, will it be open surgery?
• If I have chemoradiation, how many weeks will it last?
• Will I get brachytherapy, and what is it like?
• Am I a candidate for immunotherapy with chemoradiation?
• Should I see a fertility doctor before treatment?
• Will treatment cause early menopause?
• How will treatment affect my sex life?
• Are there clinical trials I could join?
• How can I get help with rides to daily radiation?
• Who should I call with problems at night or on weekends?
• What costs should I expect, and who can help with insurance?

During

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• What can I eat to help with diarrhea from radiation?
• Which side effects should I call about right away?
• How will you check my kidneys and hearing on cisplatin?
• Can I see a dietitian, social worker, or counselor?
• What should I do if I get a new rash, cough, or diarrhea on immunotherapy?
• Can I have sex during treatment?
• How can my caregiver help, and what should they watch for?
• When is my next scan or exam?

After

• How often will I need checkups and pelvic exams?
• What signs could mean the cancer has come back?
• When and how should I use a vaginal dilator?
• Is hormone therapy safe for me?
• What long-term bowel or bladder effects should I watch for?
• What can I do about leg swelling?
• Who will be my main doctor after treatment ends?
• Where can I find support groups?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.