Cancers are on an ever-increasing trend at present, due to various reasons, known and unknown, the topmost ones being age, lifestyle, obesity, and stress. Gynaecological cancers comprise 10-15% of all cancers affecting women, mainly affecting those who are past the reproductive age. While awareness about breast cancer is high, most women in India continue to be blissfully unaware of cancers that can affect the different parts of their reproductive tract, namely, the uterus (womb), cervix (neck of womb), vagina, tubes and ovaries (gonads).
A gynaecologist is a “specialist” in dealing with issues related to fertility, pregnancy, and menstruation, in addition to non- cancerous conditions affecting the reproductive tract. A gynaecologic oncologist is a “super-specialist” gynaecologist, who taken further advanced training focused on diagnosing and treating cancers ad pre-cancers of the female reproductive system (e.g., ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers). These terms, have, in course of time, been replaced by “generalist” (gynaecologist) and “specialist / sub-specialist” (gynaecologic oncologist). However, these two people are not mutually exclusive. The patient usually visits the generalist, who refers to the specialist when he / she suspects a cancer / pre-cancer. Albeit, this trend has been slowly revering, with women preferring to visit the oncologist first, to rule out the possibility of a cancer.
First, let us understand what the two specialties are and how they are different. It is important as a patient to know which kind of doctor to see for one’s condition.
A gynaecologist’s role typically includes:
- Managing reproductive health issues such as menstrual disorders, infertility, menopause and infections.
- Routine care such as pelvic exams, pap smear and breast exams.
- Pregnancy care such as providing prenatal, delivery and postnatal care.
- Performing surgeries that could involve removing cysts that are non cancerous in nature or performing hysterectomies.
- Preventive care such as counselling on contraception, sexual health and screenings.
A Gynaecologic Oncologist’s role would include:
- Evaluating the possibility of precancer / cancer in a woman presenting with a complaint, with a clinical examination and biopsies / smears as needed (Diagnosis)
- He/ she is part of a larger multidisciplinary team, comprising other sub-specialists, ensuring that the patient receives a tailored ideal treatment, involving surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy (Treatment Planning)
- Performing complex surgeries aimed at curing and staging gynaecologic cancers (Therapy)
- Screening normal women with no symptoms, for early signs of precancer / cancer, diagnosing hereditary cancers, and offering risk reducing options for these women (Prevention)
- Research and clinical trials that are often involved in advancing treatments for gynaecologic cancers (Research and Education))
- Monitoring patients’ long term for recurrence and managing cancer- related complications. (Alleviation)
- Providing patients with emotional support and supportive treaments for issues they may face as consequence of cancer treatments (Palliation)
Why is a gynecologist oncologist important?
A key factor in outcomes in women’s cancer treatment is the involvement of the specialist a.k.a the gynecologic oncologist in the care plan, right from the start. Several studies have shown that women who are treated by a gynaecologic oncologist are more likely to have better outcomes than those treated by generalists. This is because of the comprehensive knowledge and skills developed by a gynaecologic oncologist.
A gynaecologic oncologist has a deep understanding of the impact of cancer and its treatment on all the aspects of a woman’s life. They also have a holistic approach when it comes to how cancer will affect aspects like future childbearing, sexuality, physical and emotional well-being and family life.
Cytecare Hospitals department of gynaecological oncology provides comprehensive screening services for all types of reproductive cancers. We understand that women need their time and space which is why we have a dedicated unit for women’s oncology. The division of gynaecological-oncology is supported by state-of-the-art technology and care, which drastically improves gynaecological cancer diagnosis and treatment approach for the cancers.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist, call: 1800-123-6767 or visit us at www.cytecare.com
