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Cervical Cancer Medications, Costs & Savings
Pharmacist insight
For hormonal medications, timing consistency is crucial for optimal effectiveness. I recommend setting a daily alarm as a reminder. Many generic oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies are bioequivalent to brand-name versions, offering the same protection at lower cost.
Angela C. Beverly, PharmD
About Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. While it can be a serious diagnosis, early detection and effective treatment are often possible. Managing the costs of medication can be a significant concern, but TheDrugClub helps by providing substantial savings on prescription drugs for members, making vital care more accessible.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the cervix. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection. While most HPV infections clear on their own, some can lead to abnormal cell changes that, if left untreated, can develop into cancer over many years. Regular screening tests, like Pap tests and HPV tests, are crucial for detecting these changes early, often before cancer even forms. Symptoms in advanced stages can include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse.
Treatment for cervical cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Early-stage cervical cancer may be treated with surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, such as a cone biopsy, trachelectomy, or hysterectomy. For more advanced stages, radiation therapy, often combined with chemotherapy, is a common approach. Chemotherapy
The information above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.
MedlinePlus overview of Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina (birth canal).
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Before cervical cells become cancer, they start to look abnormal. These cells are called "precancers." If they aren't destroyed or removed, they may become cancer cells that grow out of control and spread to other parts of your body.
Screening tests for cervical cancer can help find abnormal cells so you can get treatment to prevent cervical cancer. These tests can also find cervical cancer early when it's usually easier to treat.
What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV. The types that cause cancer are called "high-risk HPV." High-risk HPV is very common. It can be passed from one person to another through close skin-to-skin touching, usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Most people who are infected have no symptoms and don't know they have it.
If you're infected with high-risk HPV, usually your immune system will get rid of it within a year or two. But if your immune system can't control the infection, it may last for many years. Over time, HPV can turn normal cervical cells into abnormal cells. Without treatment, these cells may keep changing until they become cervical cancer.
Who is more likely to develop cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is most common in people over age 30. If you have a high-risk HPV infection in your cervix, you're more likely to develop cervical cancer if you:
Have a weakened immune system because you: Have a disease that harms your immune system, such as HIV.
Take medicine to control your immune system, such as certain medicines to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases
Smoke tobacco or breathe secondhand smoke.
Use birth control pills or have given birth to many children.
Have obesity.
Were exposed to a medicine called DES (diethylstilbestrol) before you were born. Between 1940-1971, DES was sometimes prescribed during pregnancy to prevent miscarriages. DES was later linked to health problems, including cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms when it first starts to grow. But when it does cause symptoms, they may include:
Vaginal bleeding that's not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex or between menstrual periods
Vaginal discharge (fluid) that's watery and has a strong odor or contains blood
Pelvic pain or pain during sex
If cervical cancer spreads to other parts of your body, symptoms may include:
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pelvic pain or pain during sex
Difficult or painful bowel movements (poops) or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement
Difficult or painful urination (peeing) or blood in your urine (pee)
Dull backache
Swollen legs
Abdominal (belly) pain
Fatigue
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
If you have symptoms or had an abnormal result on a screening test for cervical cancer, your health care provider will do more tests to find out if you have cervical cancer. They will:
Ask about your medical history and your family health history
Do a pelvic exam
Suggest tests to diagnose or rule out cervical cancer, including: Colposcopy, a procedure using a device called a colposcope, which helps your provider examine your cervix for abnormal areas
Cervical biopsy, a procedure to remove a tissue sample from your cervix so that it can be examined under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. Most biopsies can be done in your provider's office
What are the treatments for cervical cancer?
Different treatments are available for cervical cancer. The best treatment for you depends on your health, how much cancer you have, whether it has spread, and which treatment you prefer. You may have more than one treatment, including:
Surgery to remove the cancer.
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. The therapy may use radiation from a machine, or a radioactive substance may be placed in your body near the cancer.
Chemotherapy (chemo), which uses special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The medicine may be pills, or it may be given through a vein (by IV). Sometimes, both types of chemo are used.
Targeted therapy, which uses special medicines to block the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer cells.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by:
HPV vaccination. HPV vaccines provide the most protection if you get them before you're exposed to HPV. So, it's best to get vaccinated before you become sexually active. Medical experts recommend vaccinating children between ages 9 and 12.
Routine cervical cancer screening. Two types of screening tests may be part of your routine health checkup. Both tests use a sample of cervical cells that your provider collects with a swab: A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells so they can be treated before they become cancer
An HPV test checks for high-risk HPV infections that can cause cancer.
Getting the right follow-up treatment if a screening test finds abnormal cells and/or high-risk HPV.
You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by not smoking. Using condoms correctly during sex lowers your risk of getting an HPV infection, but doesn't prevent it completely. Condom use has been linked to fewer cases of cervical cancer. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus topic page. Topic date: 03/05/1999. MedlinePlus file date: 10/15/2026 02:30:37.
This information is educational and is not medical advice.