Getting treated for cervical cancer can feel like riding a roller coaster you never signed up for. Some days are good. Others? Not so much. While treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery aim to fight the cancer, they often come with side effects that can leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated, or even scared.
But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless. There are practical, effective ways to manage these side effects—and regain a sense of control over your health and well-being.
Let’s walk through them together.
Why Side Effects Happen During Treatment
Ever wondered why treatments that are meant to help you can make you feel worse first? It’s a fair question.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and even surgery don’t just target cancer cells—they sometimes hit healthy cells too, especially those that grow quickly like in your skin, stomach, hair, and blood. This “collateral damage” is what causes side effects like nausea, hair loss, or fatigue.
But understanding why it’s happening doesn’t make you weak—it makes you prepared.
Common Side Effects of Cervical Cancer Treatment
You may experience one or several of the following, depending on your treatment type:
- Fatigue that lingers no matter how much you rest
- Nausea and vomiting, especially after chemotherapy
- Hair thinning or loss, not just on your head
- Skin irritation, particularly after radiation
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Changes in your menstrual cycle or even early menopause
- Vaginal dryness or discharge
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Emotional highs and lows that seem to come out of nowhere
Sounds overwhelming? It can be—but each of these can be managed, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Managing Nausea and Digestive Upset
One of the most dreaded side effects of chemo is nausea. That queasy, unsettled feeling can make it hard to eat, drink, or even get out of bed.
So, what helps?
- Eat small, frequent meals—even if it’s just crackers or toast
- Sip ginger tea or chew ginger candy; many find it calming
- Avoid strong smells and greasy or spicy foods
- Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medications (there are several options)
- Keep a food journal to see what triggers your symptoms
It’s not about eating perfectly—it’s about eating what you can.
Coping with Fatigue: How to Preserve Your Energy
Feeling tired isn’t just about not sleeping well—it’s a deep, bone-level exhaustion that no nap can fix. Cancer fatigue is real, and it’s different from just being “worn out.”
So how can you deal with it?
- Prioritise your day: Do the essentials. The laundry can wait.
- Take short naps but avoid long ones that disrupt night sleep
- Ask for help with meals, chores, or childcare—your body needs support
- Try light activity like walking or stretching. Strange as it sounds, gentle movement can help beat fatigue in the long run.
Don’t try to “push through” like everything’s normal. Be kind to your body—it’s working hard.
Skin and Hair Changes: What You Can Do
Radiation can make your skin in the treatment area red, dry, or itchy. Chemotherapy can thin your hair or cause it to fall out completely.
And that can feel…well, incredibly personal.
Try this:
- Use fragrance-free, gentle moisturisers on affected areas
- Avoid hot water or scrubbing the skin
- Wear soft, loose clothing to avoid friction
- For hair loss, explore scarves, hats, or wigs—if that makes you feel more comfortable
- Some people choose to shave their head early—it’s a personal choice, not a defeat
You’re still you—hair or no hair.
Sexual Health and Intimacy During Treatment
Let’s talk about something many people feel too embarrassed to bring up: sex and intimacy.
Cervical cancer treatment can lead to:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during intercourse
- Low libido
- Body image struggles
Sound familiar?
If yes, you’re far from alone. Open conversations with your partner can help. You might also consider:
- Water-based vaginal moisturisers or lubricants
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Vaginal dilators (if recommended by your doctor)
- Counselling to work through emotional or relational changes
Physical closeness doesn’t always mean sex. A hug, a handhold, or a cuddle can mean just as much.
Emotional Side Effects: Anxiety, Depression, and Fear
Cancer doesn’t just attack the body—it messes with your mind too. One day you’re hopeful, the next, you’re terrified. That’s not weakness. That’s being human.
So what can help you ride the emotional wave?
- Talk it out. Whether it’s a therapist, a support group, or a friend
- Journaling to process your feelings
- Mindfulness or breathing exercises
- If anxiety or depression feels unmanageable, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about medication—it’s a treatment, not a failure
You deserve mental support just as much as physical care.
Nutrition Tips to Support Your Recovery
You don’t need to eat “perfectly,” but your body does need fuel—especially now.
Try:
- Small, frequent meals
- Nutrient-dense foods like eggs, oatmeal, bananas, yoghurt
- Smoothies if solid food feels too much
- Staying hydrated with water, herbal tea, or clear soups
- Avoiding empty calories like sugary drinks or processed snacks
Think of food as medicine—and give your body the tools it needs to heal.
Staying Active—Even a Little Helps
Exercise probably feels like the last thing on your mind, right?
But you don’t have to hit the gym or run marathons. Just moving your body—gently—can help:
- Improve your mood
- Boost energy
- Support your digestion
- Help you sleep better
Try simple walks, chair yoga, or gentle stretching. Listen to your body—and celebrate small victories.
Tracking and Communicating Your Symptoms
How do you know what’s a “normal” side effect and what needs attention?
Here’s a simple tip: track everything.
- Use a notebook or an app to log symptoms
- Note when they start, how long they last, and what makes them worse or better
- Bring this to your medical appointments
- Speak up! Don’t downplay your discomfort
Doctors aren’t mind readers. The more detail you give, the better care you’ll get.
When Side Effects Become an Emergency
Some side effects are more than just inconvenient—they’re serious. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- High fever
- Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhoea
- Signs of infection (chills, sweats, redness)
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual bleeding
- Mental confusion or extreme drowsiness
Trust your gut. If something feels “off,” call your healthcare team.
Support Systems That Make a Difference
You don’t have to go through this alone. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Let people in.
- Join a support group, either locally or online
- Ask a friend to drive you to appointments
- Let your partner, siblings, or children help out at home
- Connect with organisations like the National Cancer Society Malaysia or American Cancer Society
You’re not being a burden. You’re being brave enough to ask for help—and that’s powerful.
Final Thoughts
Managing side effects during cervical cancer treatment isn’t about being “strong” all the time. It’s about being honest—with yourself, your body, and your support system. Some days you’ll feel like a fighter. Other days you’ll just feel…tired. And both are okay.
What matters is that you keep going.
And remember, there’s no “right” way to handle this journey—just your way.
References
- American Cancer Society. “Managing Cancer-related Side Effects.” American Cancer Society, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects.html
- Macmillan Cancer Support. “Side Effects of Cervical Cancer Treatment.” Macmillan, 2023. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/side-effects
- Cancer Research UK. “Cervical Cancer – Side Effects of Treatment.” Cancer Research UK, 2022. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer/treatment/side-effects
- National Cancer Institute. “Cervical Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version.” NIH, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq