Advanced cancer
Cancers that have spread to another part of the body are called:
secondary cancer
metastases
metastatic cancer
Unfortunately advanced cancer can’t usually be cured. But treatment might control it, help symptoms, and improve your quality of life for some time.
Cervical cancer most commonly spreads to the:
lymph nodes
the space between the hip bones (pelvis)
tummy (abdomen)
liver
lungs
bones
If you have been diagnosed with a locally advanced cancer, this generally means you have a large tumour within the cervix and it has grown into the tissues around the cervix. The cancer hasn’t spread to other organs. This is different to an advanced (metastatic) cancer.
Locally advanced cervical cancer is anything from stage 2B to stage 4A.
Find out more about the stages and treatment of cervical cancer
Finding out that you can’t be cured is distressing and can be a shock. It’s common to feel uncertain and anxious. It's normal to not be able to think about anything else.
Lots of information and support is available to you, your family and friends. Some people find it helpful to find out more about their cancer and the treatments they might have. Many people find that knowing more about their situation can make it easier to cope.
Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse to understand:
what your diagnosis means
what is likely to happen
what treatment is available
how treatment can help you
what the side effects of the treatment are
Many people want to know what the outlook is and how their cancer will develop. This is different for each person. Your cancer specialist has all the information about you and your cancer. They're the best person to discuss this with.
You can also talk to your specialist nurse.
Last reviewed: 22 Nov 2023
Next review due: 22 Nov 2026
The stage of a cancer tells you about its size and whether it has spread. The type means the type of cell the cancer started from. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.
The most common places for cervical cancer to spread is the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and bones. Symptoms can include tiredness, pain and vomiting.
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of cervical cancer you have, how big it is, whether it has spread (the stage) and the grade. It also depends on your general health.
Coping with cervical cancer can be difficult. There are things you can do and specialists who can help you cope with a cervical cancer diagnosis.
Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system.
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Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
