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SUMMARY Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in Brazil. Among women, it is the second most frequent, second only to breast cancer. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the country, with estimated 15,590 new cases (2014) and 5,430 deaths (2013). In order to update information to improve outcomes, reduce morbidity and optimize the treatment of this cancer, this article will address the advancement of knowledge on cervical cancer. The topics covered include the role of surgery in different stages, treatment of locally advanced carcinomas, fertility preservation, the role of the sentinel lymph node technique, indications and techniques of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and some special situations. RESUMO O câncer de colo uterino é o câncer ginecológico mais frequente em nosso meio. Entre as mulheres, é o segundo mais frequente, atrás apenas do câncer de mama. É a quarta causa de morte por câncer no Brasil, com estimativa de 15.590 casos novos (2014) e com 5.430 mortes (2013). No intuito de atualizar informações para a melhora do prognóstico, redução da morbidade e otimização do tratamento dessa neoplasia, serão abordados neste artigo os avanços nos conhecimentos sobre o câncer cervical. Entre os temas apresentados, estão o papel da cirurgia nos diferentes estádios, o tratamento dos carcinomas localmente avançados, a preservação da fertilidade, o papel da técnica do linfonodo sentinela, indicações e técnicas da radio e quimioterapia, além de situações especiais.

PURPOSE: To understand the reproductive and sexual life of women treated for breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 139 women with a diagnosis made at least 6 months ago were interviewed after being randomly selected in a rehabilitation service. The interviews were carried out between 2006 and 2010. The inclusion criteria were: to have used a rehabilitation service between 2006 and 2010, to be a Unified Health System user, to have been a patient at a regional hospital and to be resident in the area of DRS XIII-Ribeirao Preto, state of Sao Paulo. The interviewees were visited at home where a face to face questionnaire regarding sociodemographic features and questions about the disease and reproductive and sexual life was administered. For the last one, the Female Sexual Function Index instrument was used. Data were analyzed statistically by the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, Student's t test, multivariate analysis by logistic regression, factorial analysis and the Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Most patients had between 2 to 3 children and 80% used some contraceptive. About half of them had had sexual intercourse in the last month, 45.3% had interrupted sexual intercourse during treatment and 25.9% did not. There were reports of decreasing sexual activity, although half of the interviewees had re-started sexual life during the first six months after treatment. About half presented sexual dissatisfaction. An active sexual life is associated with being younger than 40 years of age and to have a partner. No association was found between active sexual life and diagnosis and types of treatment. CONCLUSION: Sexual activity of women treated for breast cancer is not associated with the treatments, but with age and with the opportunity of having sex.