Virginia Gov. Mark Warner recognizes September as gynecological cancer awareness month

By Andrea Butler
Massey Cancer Center

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 1, 2004)—Virginia Gov. Mark Warner declared September  “Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month” in a certificate of recognition to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center.

“The governor’s proclamation draws attention to the importance of regular screenings to help women prevent and identify dangerous cancers,” said Weldon Chafe, M.D., a gynecological oncologist and professor of gynecology and obstetrics at VCU.  “Gynecological cancers are the fourth-largest cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, and early detection is the key factor in saving lives.”

More than 80,000 women of all ages and with varying health histories are diagnosed with gynecological cancer each year, including cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix and vulva.

Cancers that are diagnosed in later stages are often more fatal. For example, the incidence of ovarian cancer is less than one-eighth the incidence rate of breast cancer, yet the fatality rate for ovarian cancer is 70 percent greater. 

“Make your appointments at intervals advised by your doctor and keep them,” Chafe said. “These cancers often have few outward symptoms, and pap smears and pelvic exams are key to their early detection.”

Massey Cancer Center also is participating in a national clinical trial on ovarian cancer prevention and early detection. The study, “Prospective Study of Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Longitudinal CA-125 Screening Among Women at Increased Genetic Risk of Ovarian Cancer,” examines possible ways to help certain women lower their risk of ovarian cancer and to find ovarian cancer early. Women who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or women who have a change in one of the two genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2, may be eligible.

For additional information on this and other trials at Massey Cancer Center, call 804-828-0450.

Gynecological oncologists like Chafe and his VCU colleague, Cecelia Boardman, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, represent a growing specialty in women’s health to treat gynecological cancers. With more specialized and extensive training than gynecologists, they serve as a one-stop source for women with gynecological cancers.

For example, many women who are diagnosed with a cancer will visit various medical specialists for treatment -- general surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists and gynecologists -- putting the burden on patients to meet with all specialists involved.

Gynecological oncologists provide total patient care for all gynecological oncology matters including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and follow-up care. About 600 doctors are certified as gynecological oncologists in the United States, with two of them practicing at Massey.