St. Joseph’s/Candler highlighted on May 12 its methods for diagnosing and treating gynecological cancers, emphasizing personalized care at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion.
Gynecologic oncology addresses cancers of the female reproductive system, including uterine, cervical, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Nearly 100,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, increasing demand for specialized treatment options.
Dr. Christopher Walker said most gynecological cancers are identified through imaging or biopsy ordered by a primary care provider or OB/GYN: “Most commonly is through your OB/GYN or primary care provider ordering imaging or biopsy, such as screening for cervical cancer.” He explained that symptoms can be non-specific—especially with ovarian cancer—and may only be detected after emergency room visits reveal a mass during a CT scan.
Treatment varies based on the type of cancer and individual patient needs. Dr. Walker said about endometrial cancer: “We only do minimally-invasive if we think we can safely do the surgery… It’s really patient specific to how a patient’s disease looks and their overall health.” For cervical cancer, he noted surgery is beneficial when tumors are small but larger tumors often require radiation therapy instead. Ovarian cancer treatment depends on whether all visible disease can be removed surgically; otherwise chemotherapy is administered before surgery.
Advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have improved survival rates over recent years. “Especially thanks to clinical trials, treatment has come a long way in just the last 15 years or so,” Dr. Walker said.
Prevention strategies also differ by type of cancer: regular pap smears and HPV vaccination reduce cervical cancer risk significantly while there is no effective screening method for endometrial or ovarian cancers at this time.
St. Joseph’s/Candler supports community health through outreach programs addressing local needs; includes facilities such as St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital; has gained recognition for nursing excellence through Magnet status; focuses on providing compassionate healthcare guided by faith to address illnesses and support wellness for all; extends services across more than 30 counties in southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry; offers specialized services including cancer care, heart health, women’s services, neurosciences, and advanced surgical options according to the official website.
