Who should I ask?

Patients should ask which centre they are being referred to and are they being cared for by a multidisciplinary team which should include a specialist gynaecological cancer surgeon, a clinical oncologist and a specialist nurse. The team also should comprise a pathologist and radiologist with an interest in gynaecological cancers. These team members should meet regularly to discuss their care of cancer patients.

If in doubt, ask the gynaecologist who is intending to offer treatment, whether he or she is part of such a team and what their experience is in the surgical treatment of cervical cancer. Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion, any surgeon should be comfortable in arranging a second opinion and should not take offence if it is requested.

For young women with very early disease then fertility sparing surgery may be an option. Very few centers have significant experience of these new techniques, which are currently being evaluated. Patients should be carefully counselled before embarking on this form of treatment. Ask to be referred to a centre offering this treatment and be sure they have experience of the techniques involved.