Being diagnosed with cervical cancer is like entering an unknown world. You will be confronted with the demands of the disease, a new vocabulary and the complexities of the health care system. Treatment options can be confusing. This is an emotionally stressful time for patients and those close to them.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Dysplasia is a comprehensive program that gives you the information you need to actively participate in your care. Learn how to talk about cancer with your health care team and those close to you. Get the answers to your questions and gain control through understanding.

What is Cervical Cancer?
This section gives patients an important introduction to cervical cancer. It includes a discussion of risk factors and statistics about the disease. Easy-to-understand interactive diagrams explain cancer, and the anatomy and physiology of the cervix.

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Diagnosis
The Diagnosis section focuses on recognizing symptoms, understanding investigations and tests, staging cervical cancer and evaluating prognosis. It describes the symptoms of cervical cancer, the methods used to detect it (e.g., physical examination, colposcopy, biopsy, ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan) and the various factors that influence prognosis. Illustrative graphics and animations reveal how different stages describe the extent of the disease and outline the differences between the FIGO and TNM staging systems.

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Treatments
The Treatments section discusses treatment decision-making and the primary therapies for cervical cancer: surgery (cervical conization, laparoscopy, hysterectomy, pelvic exenteration), radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It clearly shows what to expect from each treatment approach, providing answers to the questions: Why are these treatments used? How do these treatments work? What will happen during my visits? How will I manage my side effects? For each type of treatment, narrated 3-D animations and diagrams reinforce the key concepts.

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Supportive Care
The Supportive Care section focuses on the medical, psychological and social services that help patients cope with the many challenges of the disease and its treatment. The topics include managing symptoms and side effects, sexuality and body image, smoking cessation, diet and nutrition, pain management, relaxation techniques and complementary therapies. Sections on palliative care, spiritual support, psychological support and quality of life help patients address difficult emotional issues. Information on how to get in touch with support groups and services allows patients to seek out further assistance.

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Prevention and Early Detection
Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of gynecological cancer. However, most cervical cancers can be prevented. In recent decades, widespread screening using the Pap test has greatly reduced the number of women who die of cervical cancer. This section focuses on clarifying the role of the Pap test and how it is used to identify cervical cancer and the pre-cancerous condition known as dysplasia.

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What is Dysplasia
Dysplasia is a condition in which certain cells in the cervix have undergone pre-cancerous changes. The cells are not cancerous, but they do have the potential to progress to cervical cancer. This section describes the condition and the various procedures that are used for diagnosis and treatment (e.g., screening, colposcopy and biopsy, grading, conization, cryosurgery, hysterectomy).

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Resources
In addition to the wealth of information contained in this program, the Resources section provides references to other printed and online resources. A comprehensive glossary contains the medical terms used in the program, with clear definitions and audio narrations that teach proper pronunciation.

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Clinical Level
The Clinical Level is directed at medical professionals and more experienced patients. Featuring discussions of the latest research and pathology studies, it introduces users to the principles of oncology and the key issues in the treatment of cervical cancer. With the Clinical Level advanced learners can gain the understanding and vocabulary to specify their goals and expectations, and take an active role in their care.

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Interactive Learning

Anatomy Mode. Three-dimensional interactive images allow you to explore complex details of anatomy to help you understand the effects of the disease on your body.

Animations. Animations reveal simplicity in complex ideas and procedures. They demonstrate and reinforce key concepts in a dynamic, easy-to-understand format.

Patient Interviews. This section features patients and caregivers telling their stories and offering their viewpoints. This unique component offers real-life examples of people dealing with every stage of cancer and allows users to share in the experiences of others.

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