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Gynecologic Cancers

Overview

Endometrium, cancers of the ovary, cervix and uterus, account for approximately 80,000 new cancer cases each year. Overall, these female reproductive cancers are decreasing in the U.S., however, ovarian cancer continues to cause a significant number of deaths.

Risk factors for female reproductive cancers vary.

Uterine (endometrial) and ovarian cancers

  • Associated with estrogen replacement therapy and never bearing children
  • Certain genetic problems such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (associated with breast cancer) and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer can increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian or uterine (endometrial) cancers.
  •  Being overweight or obese increases the risk of dying from uterine cancer.

Cervical cancer

  • Closely associated with having sexual experience at an early age, multiple sexual partners or sexual partners who have had multiple sexual partners themselves.
  • Cigarette smoking increases the risk for cervical cancer.
  • Being overweight or obese increases the risk of dying from cervical cancer.

Gynecologic Cancers

Prevention

Healthy lifestyles and eating habits may decrease the risk for developing uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers. The National Cancer Institute provides detailed information on prevention.


Gynecologic Cancers

Diagnosis

Often, early stages of female reproductive cancers do not cause symptoms. The most common sign of cervical and uterine cancers is abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting. Ovarian cancer is often called the disease that "whispers" because symptoms are absent or vague.

Early detection of female reproductive cancers can be difficult. All women should report any unexpected or post-menopausal bleeding as well as digestive disturbances that persist or cannot be explained by any other cause. Regular PAP tests can help detect cervical cancer. Regular pelvic exams may help diagnose other problems. At this time, no accurate screening test for ovarian cancer exists. Women who are at a high risk for ovarian cancer or who are experiencing symptoms may be offered a transvaginal ultrasound and a tumor-marker blood test called CA-125.


Gynecologic Cancers

Treatment

For women facing a female reproductive cancer diagnosis, KHN has an experienced team of surgeons and surgical oncologists, GYN oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologists and imaging specialists, pharmacists, dieticians, specially trained nurses, therapists, chaplains and more ready to serve.

Gynecologic cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute offers detailed overviews of gynecologic cancer treatments.









Gynecologic Cancers

Women's Caner Center - Physicians


Thomas J. Reid, MD

Headed by Medical Director Dr. Tom Reid, the Center offers an expert team of specialists dedicated to the care of women with gynecologic cancers.

Dr. Reid is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and has 15 years of experience.

  • Specialties: Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Board Certified: Yes

Women's Cancer Center at Kettering Medical Center
3737 Southern Blvd., Suite 3100
Kettering, OH 45249
Phone: (937) 395-8020
Fax: (937) 395-8054


Gynecologic Cancers

Support Groups/Education


Look Good, Feel Better

This is a FREE program designed specifically for women experiencing side effects of cancer treatments. The program was developed by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the National Cosmetology Association and the American Cancer Society to provide information on ways to enhance appearance and take care of your skin, hair and fingernails during treatment. The program includes a free makeover by licensed cosmetologists.

Programs are offered the third Monday in January, April, July and October at Kettering Health Network facilities. For information about other host sites and to register, call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (1-888-227-6446).

Looking Ahead Support Group

This group helps individuals living with cancer, their families and friends. For those newly diagnosed with cancer as well as long-term survivors. Meets at Kettering Medical Center on the first Tuesday of each month except June and December. Check the Looking Ahead newsletter or call Cancer Services at (937) 395-8115 for more information.

 I Can Cope

This is a series of educational classes for people with cancer, their families and friends. The program helps people meet the challenge of coping with cancer by distinguishing cancer myths from facts. This FREE program provides practical information about cancer, cancer treatments and offers self-care strategies and resources for those facing cancer. This American Cancer Society Program is co-sponsored by Kettering Health Network.

Call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (227-6446) for current dates, location and to register.

Cindy Wilde Vogel Memorial Library

The Cindy Wilde Vogel Memorial Library is located at Kettering Breast Evaluation Center (KBEC), 580 Lincoln Park, Suite 200. The library offers information on women's health. For more information, call KBEC at (937) 299-0099.

Cancer Resource Center

The Cancer Resource Center (CRC) is a collaborative effort between your American Cancer Society and Kettering Medical Center. The CRC is located at Kettering Memorial Hospital, ground floor, adjacent to the Radiation Therapy waiting area, and is open to the public from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays and during special events. Trained volunteers are available to assist you with information about cancer, cancer prevention and early detection, cancer treatments, coping and support groups and other resources. Information called also be mailed upon request. Call (937) 395-8081.

Makarius Library

The Makarius Library is located at Kettering Memorial Hospital, 3 South. This is a free lending library with materials on cancer, treatment, coping and inspiration. Items may be signed out for up to four weeks. The library is open daily, except during patient care meetings.