Gynecologic cancer

The gynecologic cancer team at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health focuses their energy on making your care and treatment as comfortable as possible. Within our gynecology program, our gynecologic oncologists:

• Oversee the care provided to patients with a gynecologic malignancy, offering cancer support, from diagnosis through survivorship
• Specialize in minimally invasive robotic surgery, offering precise control and access to hard-to-reach areas, allowing complex surgeries to be performed through a few small incisions
• Determine the most effective treatment as quickly as possible
• Refer appropriate patients for genetic risk assessment and counseling who have concerns about their personal and/or family history of cancer
• Offer access to national clinical research trials and cutting-edge therapies for patients in our local communities

All women are at risk of developing gynecologic cancers, but there are certain conditions that may increase that risk. There are other conditions or reasons contributing to risk if you:

• Are at or beyond the age of menopause (50+)
• Are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Are obese
• Don't have regular Pap screenings or have a history of abnormal pap smears
• First had intercourse before the age of sixteen
• Have a family history of ovarian cancer or cancers of the uterus, colon or breast
• Have had multiple sexual partners
• Have hypertension, diabetes, chronic vulvar irritation or late menopause
• Have never been pregnant or have had infertility problems
• Smoke
• Use the medication tamoxifen or use unopposed estrogen

Knowing the symptoms of gynecologic cancer can help you be aware of early warning signs. Common gynecological cancer symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Bloating
• Changes in bathroom habits (increased urination, constipation, or diarrhea)
• Changes in vulva color or skin (rash, sores, warts, or ulcers)
• Itching or burning of the vulva
• Pain in the back or stomach
• Pelvic pain or pressure

Our experts can treat gynecologic cancers in various ways, including robotic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of your customized treatment plan. Our team of gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists collaborate to determine the best course of treatment for your condition. We also offer cancer rehabilitation to help manage the side effects that may develop after cancer treatment.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent gynecologic cancer. However, you can reduce your risk factors by:

• Understanding your body
• Getting routine Pap tests
• Knowing your family history
• Protecting yourself from HPV
• Making healthy lifestyle choices