I’ve been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. Will I be able to get pregnant after treatment?

Fertility is affected depending on the type of gynecologic cancer you’ve been diagnosed with and your treatment plan. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can affect the ovaries and bring on early menopause. Having a hysterectomy will prevent you from being able to have children. If your fertility will be affected by treatment for gynecologic cancer and you wish to have biological children in the future, your eggs can be removed and frozen before treatment to be used for surrogate pregnancy.

I have a BRCA 1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation. What are my odds of developing ovarian cancer?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of ovarian cancers (about 2,000 women per year) result from BRCA gene mutations.

My doctor found a uterine fibroid during my pelvic exam. Does that mean I have cancer?

No, fibroids are benign growths that originate within the uterine muscle wall. Depending on the severity of the fibroid, your doctor may recommend surgery to have it removed.

An imaging test detected an ovarian cyst. Does that mean I have cancer?

Most ovarian cysts are benign and go away naturally on their own. If it doesn’t go away on its own and causes uncomfortable symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it.

Why is my pap test positive?

While a negative Pap smear means that you do not have cervical cancer, a positive Pap smear does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. A positive Pap smear may be inconclusive and often requires further testing. A Pap smear may come back positive if you have: Inflammation: This may clear up on its own or with antibiotics. Minor cell changes: Watch and wait. Get another Pap smear in 2-3 months. Moderate to severe cell changes: This may be an indication of precancerous changes or the presence of cancer. Further tests are needed.

Should I be concerned about vaginal bleeding after menopause?

Vaginal bleeding after menopause should always be evaluated by a doctor. Most often, bleeding after menopause is caused by a benign condition, however, abnormal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine (endometrial) and cervical cancer.

What support and resources does MemorialCare offer for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer?

We provide numerous support groups and resources to guide you through your gynecologic cancer journey. Cancer support groups Genetic counseling Gynecologic cancer clinical trials Nutrition Services Palliative care Survivorship programs Saddleback Medical Center Orange Coast Medical Center Long Beach Medical Center

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in the United States, affecting 25 - 40 million people, including infants and children. GERD occurs when the stomach’s acidic contents rise up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

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Genetic Counseling for Cancer

Most cancers manifest without a known cause, but some are hereditary. Genetic counseling helps hundreds of patients determine their risk for diseases that can be inherited, including colon, uterine, breast and ovarian cancer.

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Gynecologic Cancer

Cancer that occurs in the female reproductive system is known as gynecologic cancer. Annually there are about 90,000 women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in the U.S. alone. More than half of the gynecologic cancers diagnosed are cervical cancer according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute.

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Gynecological Surgery

The robotic surgical system provides breakthrough minimally invasive surgical capabilities.

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Senior Resources

As a senior, selecting a healthcare plan can be confusing and stressful. With so many plans to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? Luckily, our Medicare Specialists both have extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry and are there for you every step of the way. You can attend one of our Medicare events, or brush up on our accepted health plans to make sure you are getting the best care possible.

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The MemorialCare 55+ Program is a unique program for adults 55 and older that provides easy access to health and wellness information, resources and exclusive perks free of cost to members. The 55+ Program is an added benefit for patients of MemorialCare and does not affect your current insurance benefits.

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