The purpose of this guide is to clarify the complex terms and procedures that comprise each process, from diagnosis to therapy and recovery. You will be making important decisions and this guide is designed to help you each step of the way, whatever treatment you may need.
Gynecologic cancer refers to all cancers of the female genital tract.
Cervical cancer is detectable with routine screening and can be picked up early thanks to the Pap test. Developed by Dr. George Papanicolaou in the 1940s, the Pap test, sometimes called a Pap smear, allows cervical cancer to be found in its early stages by testing women who may or may not be experiencing symptoms. Fewer women die of cervical cancer each year because of the Pap test. Uterine, or endometrial, cancer also has a very high cure rate when found early. Ovarian cancer presents a particular challenge, but with treatment advances, women are living longer than ever and many are being cured.