Cervical cancer - Living with cervical cancer

How cervical cancer affects your daily life will depend on what stage your disease is at and what treatment you're having.

Many women with cervical cancer have a radical hysterectomy. This is a major operation that takes around six to 12 weeks to recover from. During this time you need to avoid heavy housework and lifting, such as lifting children or heavy shopping bags.

You won't be able to drive for anything from three to eight weeks after the operation. Most women will need eight to 12 weeks off work after a radical hysterectomy.

Some of the treatments for cervical cancer can make you very tired, particularly chemotherapy and radiotherapy. You may need to take a break from some of your normal activities for a while.

Don't be afraid to ask for practical help from family and friends if you need it. Practical help may also be available from your local authority. Ask your doctor or nurse about who to contact. 

Work

Having cervical cancer doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to give up work, although you may need quite a lot of time off. During treatment you may not be able to carry on completely as before.

If you have cancer, you're covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. This means that your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you because of your illness. They have a duty to make "reasonable adjustments" to help you cope. Examples of these include:

• allowing you time off for treatment and medical appointments
• allowing flexibility with working hours, the tasks you have to perform, or your working environment

The definition of what is "reasonable" depends on the situation, such as how much it would affect your employer's business, for example.

It helps if you give your employer as much information as possible about how much time you will need off and when. Talk to your human resources department if you have one. Your union or staff association representative should also be able to give you advice.

If you're having difficulties with your employer, your union or local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.

Want to know more?

• Macmillan Cancer Support: work and cancer

Money and benefits

If you have to reduce or stop work because of your cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have cancer or you're caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to financial support.

• If you have a job but can't work because of your illness, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
• If you don't have a job and can't work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
• If you're caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.
• You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or you have a low household income.

It's a good idea to find out early on what help is available to you. You could ask to speak to the social worker at your hospital, who will be able to give you the information you need.

Free prescriptions

People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate giving free prescriptions for all medication, including treatments for unrelated conditions.

The certificate is valid for five years. You can apply for a certificate by speaking to your GP or cancer specialist.

Read more about help with prescription costs.

Want to know more?

• GOV.UK: benefits information

Your sex life

Many women feel nervous about having sex soon after treatment for cervical cancer, but it's perfectly safe. Sex won't make the cancer come back and your partner can't catch cancer from you.

If you want to, you can resume your normal sex life within a few weeks of finishing radiotherapy or having surgery. This gives your body time to heal.

If you are having chemotherapy, male partners should wear a condom when you have sex as it is not clear if having sex after chemotherapy can have an effect on them.

Some women find sex difficult after being treated for cervical cancer, as the side effects of some treatments can include vaginal dryness and narrowing of the vagina. If this is the case, there are some treatments that can help, such as vaginal dilators. 

See complications of cervical cancer for more information about this.

Want to know more?

• Macmillan Cancer Support: how treatment for cervical cancer may affect your sex life