Our approach to gynecologic cancer care
At Penn Medicine, our specialists have years of experience and advanced training. We treat all types of gynecologic cancers, even the most complex cases. Our comprehensive care treats cancer and helps prevent it from coming back. There are many reasons to trust your care to Penn Medicine:
Our nationally recognized oncologists and other providers have dedicated their careers to gynecologic cancers. Many of our specialists are double board certified in obstetrics/gynecology and gynecologic oncology. You receive care from experts who lead their fields.
Our expert surgeons recommend minimally invasive gynecologic cancer surgery whenever possible. Minimally invasive surgeries require smaller incisions and are shown to lead to a quicker recovery and less pain than traditional open surgery.
Our gynecologic cancers research lab is the only one of its kind in the region and one of only a handful in the country. We conducted groundbreaking research that led to the discovery that ovarian cancer responds to immunotherapy. We are actively involved in the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a National Cancer Institute-funded National Cooperative Group testing new treatment approaches through clinical trials; and we remain at the forefront of discoveries in many areas, all of which can make a difference to you and your family, both today and in the future.
You have access to oncology nurses and patient navigators, who guide you through the treatment process and help you plan and access care. Our support services range from classes, support groups and peer support, to home care, rehab and other resources. We work closely with you to tailor your care and services to meet your needs and goals.
Our team includes physician specialists in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology and radiology. Our doctors, surgeons and other providers meet to discuss diagnosis and treatment recommendations for every patient. Our specialists from several fields of medicine bring together their expertise to confirm a diagnosis and recommend options for personalized care. To ensure you have complete confidence in your care team, you’ll be paired with:
- Nurses with advanced training and experience in helping people concerned about gynecologic cancer.
- Patient support specialists who are experts in navigating complex health care situations. They serve as a consistent point of contact and a reliable source for support and direction for patients and families.
- Cancer counselors who work exclusively with cancer patients and their families. They are available to provide individual, couple, or family counseling. Our team includes a psychologist and psychiatrist who specializes in the issues that cancer patients face. Our cancer psychiatrist is available for counseling, prescribing medications and consulting with your team of Penn Medicine cancer specialists.
- Registered dieticians to provide nutritional counseling for patients being treated for cancer at the cancer center. Our dieticians specialize in cancer nutrition and provide information based on sound nutritional therapies.