Women’s Cancer

Gynecologic cancers can be cancers of the extreme—either easy to detect or frustratingly difficult. Nearly 80,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with these cancers, which involve organs of the reproductive system.

Post-menopause alert

“The most common gynecologic cancer is endometrial cancer. Fortunately, it has a very excellent early warning sign,” says Dr. Neil Rosenshein, medical director of St. Joseph’s Gynecologic Oncology Center, established through a collaborative agreement between St. Joseph and Mercy Medical Centers.

“Usually, it occurs in post-menopausal women, at an average age of 61. The first symptom is bleeding, so the vast majority is found at an early stage when it is likely to be cured. If a woman has bleeding, even spotting, the wise thing is to be evaluated. This involves a pelvic sonogram and a biopsy performed in the office.”

Battling late-stage disease

“On the other hand, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than all the other gyn cancers combined,” says Rosenshein. “There is no good screening test.” By the time obvious symptoms such as abdominal distension, gastrointestinal symptoms and pelvic pain occur, 80 percent of women have late-stage disease.

Fortunately, patients who come to St. Joseph’s Women’s Center receive the most sophisticated diagnostic, surgical and post-surgical care.

This made a world of difference for ovarian cancer survivor Charlotte Bailey. “Other doctors said there was nothing they could do because my cancer was so advanced. At St. Joseph they said, ‘We are going to take care of you,’” she recalls.

Multi-modality mantra

“Our mantra is our multi-modality approach. The medical oncology and radiation therapy at St. Joseph is superb,” says Rosenshein, a world-renowned surgeon. “However, in some cases, surgery is the entire treatment.”

Following surgery by Rosenshein, Bailey received chemotherapy under the care of oncologist Dr. Rima Couzi. “I’ve been blessed with two great doctors, and I cannot say enough good things about the whole cancer staff,” says Bailey.

Cutting-edge, robotic surgery

Rosenshein and gynecologic oncology surgeon Dr. Hyung Ryu, who is specialty trained in robotic surgery and also part of the collaborative with St. Joseph and Mercy, “offer a full range of gyn surgery: For ovarian cancer, which has usually spread into the abdominal and pelvic cavity, surgery can provide a higher rate of response and cure. Endometrial cancer treatment incorporates hysterectomy. With cervical cancer, we either remove the cancerous tissue by radical surgery or treat with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer,” says Rosenshein. All patients’ cases are reviewed to ensure the most optimal treatment through monthly multidisicplinary conferences held by the Women’s Center team.

Vaccine for young women

To catch gyn cancers as early as possible, Rosenshein and Ryu encourage women to see their gynecologists annually, plus, “Every young woman should consider being vaccinated to prevent the HPV viruses that cause cervical cancer and are so prevalent these days,” says Rosenshein.

Ovarian cancer survivor
Charlotte Bailey and her
husband look forward to
many years together.