Cancer develops in the cervix. This cancer was once one of the most common cancers affecting women. With routine screenings, including pap tests, doctors can detect pre-cancerous polyps and cervical cancer early which can help improve treatment outcomes.

Cancer cells are found in the ovaries. This type of cancer is more common in older women, however rates of ovarian cancer have been on the decline for the last 20 years. The decrease in the use of hormone replacement therapies in post-menopausal women may contribute to this decline as well as improvements in diagnostic tests and improvements in treatments.

Uterine cancer begins in the uterus and endometrial cancer begins in the cells that form the lining of the uterus. Uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. More than 63,000 cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed each year.

This rare gynecological cancer begins in the cells that line the surface of the vagina. 

Cancer treatment sometimes causes side effects. These may include trouble concentrating, lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup), chronic pain or weakened muscles. PeaceHealth offers a wide range of rehabilitation services to help you manage these problems and regain your strength.

Rehab therapy may include:

• Physical or occupational therapy – Programs can help improve function and mobility, adapt to lifestyle changes after surgery and rebuild strength.
• Lymphedema therapy – Certified specialists offer personalized support to help improve circulation and your range of motion.
• Feeding and swallowing therapy – Therapy to help you get back to easily chewing and swallowing food.
• Specialized rehabilitation – Therapy tailored to your needs and goals. This may include pulmonary rehab, cardiac rehab, balance and vestibular (inner ear) therapy or incontinence (bladder control) therapy.
• Neuropsychology – Testing and therapies to help improve concentration, thinking and focus.
• Wound care – Specialized care and help to manage surgery scars and wounds. This may include removing scar tissue (resection), hyperbaric oxygen therapy and others.
• Behavioral health therapies – Group or one-on-one sessions offer coping strategies for you and your loved ones.
• Pain rehabilitation therapies – Nonsurgical and interventional approach to manage pain using medicines, injections, biofeedback and other methods.

Advances in colorectal screenings allow doctors to remove and study tissue samples during colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies. This can help lower the number of procedures you need.

A wide range of surgical approaches can remove all or parts of reproductive organs affected by cancer, including:

• Hysterectomy – A surgery where the uterus is removed.
• Salpingo-oophorectomy – This surgical procedure includes a full hysterectomy, along with the removal of one ovary and fallopian tube, or the uterus and both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Omenectomy – The surgical removal of the omentum, which is the thin fold of tissue surrounding the stomach, large intestine and other abdominal organs.

Your cancer care team includes experienced providers from across specialties, led by your medical oncologist. These doctors specialize in oncology and hematology. They are here to share their insight and experience with you and your family.

Radiation can be an effective treatment to stop or slow tumor growth. Your radiation oncologist will work closely with your entire care team and develop a customized plan that meets your needs.

You and your doctor will discuss when you should have a gynecologic cancer screening, which may include:

• Pelvic exam – Women should have a yearly pelvic exam. This routine screening allows doctors to assess reproductive organs and check for anything that isn’t normal.
• Pap test – This common test checks to see if cancer cells are present on the cervix.
• HPV test – An HPV test checks the cervix for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.
• Transvaginal ultrasound – This internal ultrasound allows your doctor to capture images of your reproductive organs and check for anything that isn’t normal.
• Blood tests – Your doctor may order a blood test to screen a protein called CA-125. High levels may mean that ovarian cancer is present.

Diagnostic imaging allows doctors to better understand the type and stage of breast cancer. Advanced diagnostic imaging may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), computed tomography (CT) scans, bone density scans and others.