From Marcia C. Bowling, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist with OHC
September 18, 2018
September is recognized as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and OHC (Oncology Hematology Care), a leading provider of advanced comprehensive cancer care is spreading the word that every woman is at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer. OHC is encouraging all women to learn the preventative measures they can take to minimize their risk of being diagnosed with one of these dangerous diseases, as well as to recognize the signs and symptoms of these various cancers so the disease can be found early when treatment is most effective.
Gynecologic cancers originate in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva, and each cancer has different symptoms and risk factors. According to The American Cancer Society, about 110,070 women will face a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer this year, and over 32,120 will die from one of the gynecologic diseases.
Many factors can play a role in causing the abnormal function of genes that lead to a gynecologic cancer. This includes aging, smoking, and environmental conditions. Genes linked to these cancers can also be inherited. Most cervical cancers and some cancers of the vagina and vulva are caused by a virus known as HPV, or Human Papillomavirus. The recent development of HPV vaccines for girls and women, as well as boys, represents a significant advancement in the fight against these diseases.
Regular screening and self-examinations are important for all women, as they can help detect some gynecologic cancers in their early stages when treatment offers the best chance for a positive outcome.
Just like most cancers, lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, are important preventative measures. It is also helpful to know family history to determine if someone may carry a gene which makes them more susceptible to cancer.
Dr. Bowling encourages women who think they may have a gynecologic cancer to seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist before treatment is started, so the optimal treatment program can be designed.
Gynecologic oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers that are located on the reproductive organs. These highly trained specialists have completed a four-year obstetrics and gynecology residency as well as subspecialty training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship that involves three to four additional years of intensive training in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and research that are critical to providing the best care for gynecologic cancers.
OHC plays a major role in helping patients and their families in the Tristate win the battle against gynecologic cancer by providing easy access to a full range of advanced cancer care services in a convenient community setting. Through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest healthcare services networks dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research, OHC quickly brings the latest advances in therapies, research and technology to the community. This allows patients to remain close to their homes and their support network of family and friends while they receive the very latest treatment to fight their disease.
OHC (Oncology Hematology Care) has been fighting cancer on the front lines for more than three decades. We are the region’s leading experts in the treatment of nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorder. OHC offers the latest medical, gynecologic and radiation therapy, and is always seeking better treatment options through participation in clinical trials. OHC is certified by the American Society for Clinical Oncology in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program, is an accredited Oncology Medical Home, and is one of only 179 practices nationally to be accepted into the Medicare Oncology Initiative. At its heart, our approach to cancer care is simple – to surround you with everything you need so you can focus on what matters most: beating cancer. For more information about services and careers at OHC, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.
