Your prognosis is the expected outcome of your cancer treatment. It’s different for each person based on the type of gynecologic cancer you have and its stage at the time of diagnosis. Other factors, such as your age, overall health, and any pre-existing medical conditions, can also affect your prognosis. In general, the earlier the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, the better the outcomes tend to be because there is less cancer to treat.
Your oncologist may mention a survival rate, which is the percentage of people diagnosed with a specific type of cancer who survive for a specific period of time. Cancer survival statistics are usually presented in five-year increments. As an example, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with cervical cancer at an early stage is 91%, 60% when it has spread to nearby areas, and then 19% when it has affected distant parts of the body.
This does not mean that your specific situation will remain within these statistics, but it gives you a historical look at survivorship based on the stage.
Yes, most patients can choose where to receive treatment for gynecologic cancer and who will perform the surgery. If your primary care physician (PCP) or gynecologist diagnosed your cancer, they will likely refer you to a gynecologic oncologist. However, most patients have the ability to do their own research and request a consultation with the doctor of their choice. Your decision may be based on several factors, such as the total cost of care, the availability of appointments, and the convenience of the locations.
Compass Oncology offers expert gynecologic oncology surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic cancers, committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care to patients in the Portland-Vancouver area.
The type of gynecologic cancer surgery you need often depends on the location and stage of the cancer. Patients diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer, ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer will likely need a hysterectomy. If one or both ovaries are affected by cancer, they will be removed during a procedure called an oophorectomy. In many cases, surgeons can perform these procedures using minimally invasive techniques, requiring only a few small incisions.
Minimally invasive surgery is highly effective at treating gynecologic cancer. However, depending on the extent of cancer at the time of diagnosis, additional treatments may be used to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can be given either before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (adjuvant therapy). The necessity for these treatments depends on various factors, including the type and stage of your gynecologic cancer, as well as your age.
The gynecologic cancer care team at Compass Oncology will assess your individual situation and recommend the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our patient benefits representatives will review your insurance plan to explain what the cancer benefits will cover. Keep in mind that receiving treatment from an independent cancer center, such as Compass Oncology, can be more cost-effective than receiving care in a hospital outpatient setting. A recent study, conducted by the Community Oncology Alliance, found that patients could pay up to 50% less when treated at an independent oncology practice compared to a hospital-affiliated outpatient department.
At Compass Oncology, we offer the same high standard of care as hospital-based outpatient cancer centers without compromising quality, and we use the most advanced technologies and personalized treatments for each patient.
Cancer treatments often have side effects. One potential side effect of gynecologic cancer treatment is changes in sexual function. Depending on the type of surgery you receive, you might experience pain and vaginal dryness due to a change in hormones. This often improves over time, and with hormone balancing recommended by the doctor. You are also likely to experience fatigue from the treatments, which can reduce your desire for sex. Try to talk openly with your partner about your concerns to help ease worries and strengthen emotional intimacy and trust.
Infertility after cancer treatment is another concern for women who are pre-menopausal when diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. If having children in the future is important to you, consider talking with your oncologist and a fertility specialist before starting cancer treatment. They can explain options for preserving your fertility, like freezing or protecting your eggs, embryos, or reproductive tissue, if you want to start a family later on.
Clinical trials provide access to new therapies for gynecologic cancers that are not yet widely available. Compass Oncology participates in several clinical trials for gynecologic cancer, allowing patients to explore these innovative therapies. Clinical trials are not suitable for everyone, but we can discuss your options with you if you meet the qualifications. Talk with your oncologist to determine if a trial may be right for you.
Compass Oncology has been a leader in delivering advanced, high-quality cancer care to patients and their families in the Portland, Oregon region, including Southwest Washington, for over 25 years. Our gynecologic oncologists/surgeons, advanced practice providers, and supportive care teams excel in their fields and are committed to providing top-notch, patient-centered care close to home. Meet our gynecologic cancer specialists and read the reviews from their patients.
Even with successful treatment, there is still a chance that cancer might return. The likelihood of this happening depends on factors like the type and stage of your cancer when it was first diagnosed. Generally, the earlier a gynecologic cancer is diagnosed and treated, the lower the chances of it returning.
While you cannot control every aspect of your health, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of recurrence. These include managing stress, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco products, and consuming too much alcohol.
It's also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your oncology team. They will perform tests and scans to detect any potential recurrence early, which makes treatment easier.