Cancerwise

There are a lot of misconceptions around gynecologic cancers and the doctors who treat them.

So, beware if someone tries to tell you that:

• Pap tests can screen you for anything other than cervical cancer,
• All you need to diagnose ovarian cancer is an elevated CA-125 level, or
• Gynecologic oncologists can treat you for breast cancer, too.

Not one of those claims is true.

Gynecologic oncologists Pamela Soliman, M.D., and Shannon Westin, M.D., dispelled these and other myths surrounding gynecologic cancers during a recent episode of UT MD Anderson’s Cancerwise podcast.

Here are three highlights they shared.

Fact: Gynecologic oncologists only treat ‘below the belt’ female cancers

Gynecologic oncologists don’t treat every type of female cancer. While they do treat most cancers related to the female reproductive system, they don’t treat one of the most common: breast cancer.

“Some people see gynecologic oncologists as kind of the ultimate doctor because we do surgery and prescribe other treatments, too,” says Westin. “But we typically only treat women’s cancers that occur ‘below-the-belt.’ That includes endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. That does not include breast cancer.”

This is a very important distinction, Westin notes, because once you know you have a certain type of cancer, you need to seek out a specialist for that exact disease. Look for someone who treats it every day, not someone who just dabbles in it, or only sees it once or twice a year.

“The best outcomes happen when you see a specialist,” notes Westin. “So, it’s essential that you’re not the first person they’ve ever seen with this disease. I really can’t emphasize that enough. You want to make sure you’re in the right place, getting the right treatment, from someone with experience treating that exact cancer.”