If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you may be trying to learn as much as possible about the disease and its treatments. Read on to find out more.
The information on this website should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.
What is cervical cancer?
The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It connects a woman’s womb (uterus) to their vagina. One of its functions is to hold a developing baby in the womb during pregnancy. It then widens to allow birth through the vagina.
Cervical cancer starts in the lining of the cervix. The most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma. The next most common is adenocarcinoma.
Treatment with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)
Your doctor will plan your treatment according to your individual circumstances. These include your stage of cancer, age, general health and if you would like children in the future.
Expand for more information on terms and definitions related to cervical cancer.
Terms you may find useful:
Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer with drug therapies – for example, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Prognosis The expected outcome of your cancer. Your doctor is the best person to ask about your prognosis, but it is not possible for anyone to predict the exact course of cancer.
PD-L1 A protein that may protect cancer cells from being detected by the immune system.
Tumour A new or abnormal growth. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Uterus The part of a woman’s body where a baby grows. It is also called the womb.
Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Understanding cervical cancer. A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-cervical-cancer-booklet
Accessed on 24/03/2022
KEYTRUDA Data Sheet
Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Understanding Immunotherapy. A guide for people affected by cancer.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-immunotherapy-fact-sheet
Accessed on 02/06/2022
KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information
NZ-KEY-00876. TAPS DA 2339KN TAPS NP20132. First Issued February 2024.
You are leaving the Fight Cancer website
You are leaving the Fight Cancer website. By continuing, you will be directed to another website, which MSD New Zealand has not developed. This website may not be consistent with the New Zealand legislation or advertising codes. We do not review or control the content of this website. We do not endorse and are not responsible for the accuracy, content, practices, or standards of any linked websites.