Finding reliable information can help you better understand a gynecologic cancer diagnosis, prepare for conversations with your care team and know where to turn when new questions arise. The resources below connect you with Saint John’s information about gynecologic cancers and treatment, supportive services and patient experiences, along with nationally trusted sources for additional education and research. Use these resources as a starting point while relying on your care team for recommendations specific to your diagnosis and needs.
Understanding Gynecologic Cancer
Gynecologic cancers can begin in different organs and tissues of the female reproductive system, and understanding where a cancer developed is an important first step in understanding the diagnosis. Our Conditions section provides patient-focused information about cervical, endometrial, ovarian and uterine cancers, including signs and symptoms, evaluation, diagnosis and staging. These pages can also help you understand the terminology you may encounter while discussing your diagnosis with your care team.
Explore Gynecologic Cancers We Treat.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
Gynecologic cancer treatment is individualized according to the type and stage of cancer, where it has spread, pathology and other factors that may influence care. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy, with genetic and molecular findings helping guide treatment in appropriate situations. Our Treatment section explains these approaches and how they may be used for different gynecologic cancers.
Explore Gynecologic Cancer Treatment.
Cancer Supportive Services
Cancer care can involve needs that extend beyond treatment of the cancer itself. Cancer Supportive Services at Providence Saint John’s provides resources for patients and families throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship, including emotional support, nutritional counseling, rehabilitation and other services. Your care team can also help identify supportive resources appropriate for your individual needs.
Explore Cancer Supportive Services.
Gynecologic Oncology Patient Experiences
Hearing from other patients can provide a personal perspective on the experience of receiving cancer care. Patient stories reflect individual experiences and circumstances and are not intended to predict treatment results or outcomes for another patient.
Read Gynecologic Oncology Patient Testimonials.
Nationally Trusted Gynecologic Cancer Resources
Reliable outside resources can provide additional information as you learn about your diagnosis, treatment and questions to discuss with your care team. The organizations below provide nationally recognized cancer education, research information and patient resources. Because cancer care is individualized, information from these resources should complement rather than replace recommendations from your physicians.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The National Cancer Institute provides comprehensive patient information about cervical, ovarian, endometrial, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers as well as other cancer types. Resources include information about diagnosis, treatment, prevention, screening, research, clinical trials and coping with cancer.
Visit the National Cancer Institute Cancer Types and Resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides patient-friendly information about the major types of gynecologic cancer, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Its resources can help patients learn about symptoms, risk factors, prevention, screening and general treatment concepts.
Visit the CDC Gynecologic Cancers resource.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society provides detailed patient information about cancer types, diagnosis, treatment, side effects, survivorship and practical concerns associated with cancer care. Its cancer-specific resources can be useful when you want additional information about a diagnosis or treatment topic discussed with your care team.
Visit the American Cancer Society Cancer Types resource.
ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database maintained by the National Library of Medicine with information about clinical research studies in the United States and around the world. Study records can include the condition being studied, eligibility requirements, study locations, interventions and contact information, although listing a study does not mean that the U.S. government has evaluated or approved its safety or scientific merit.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical research studies.
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
FORCE provides education and support for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer risk, including inherited genetic changes associated with ovarian, endometrial and other cancers. Resources include information about genetic testing, cancer risks by gene, risk management, treatment, survivorship, research and support for people with inherited cancer susceptibility.
Explore FORCE hereditary cancer resources.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Take a proactive step to wellness and speak to a member of our care team.
Whether you have questions about a diagnosis, treatment options, genetic risk, supportive care, or what should happen next, our Gynecologic Oncology team can help you identify the information that is most relevant to your situation.
Click here to contact the Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence.