Leading the Way in Diagnosing and Treating Gynecologic Cancer
A diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer can be frightening and overwhelming for patients. Gynecologic cancer is any cancer beginning in a woman’s reproductive organs.
St. Joseph’s Health is a leader in diagnosing and treating cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine and endometrial cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and other cancers that affect your reproductive systems. From innovative therapies and advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive surgery and the latest in radiation therapy, we offer cutting edge medical technology, proven treatments and exceptional support services – all in a comfortable setting close to home. At every step, our patients receive the support they need to understand and navigate the complexity of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
As part of our commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients, St. Joseph’s Health has partnered with Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center to provide patients with the cancer expertise they need without having to travel far for care. Through this unique and powerful collaboration, patients have access to the most advanced treatment options, highly specialized care, and the most recent clinical trials. Our local physicians work seamlessly with physicians at the John Theurer Cancer Center to deliver exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, coordinated, and effective so our patients can get the best possible outcomes.
Early Detection
Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has a screening test. Cervical cancer is most often caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most HPV cases are harmless, but a few types can lead to cervical cancer. A pap screening test can find abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Women should talk to their doctor about when they should begin screening, how frequently they should be screened, and which screening tests are appropriate for their situation.
In addition, there is an HPV vaccine that helps protect against the infection (and, thus, cervical cancer). The FDA recommends both females and males get vaccinated up to age 26, starting as early as ages 9 to 11. Talk to your doctor for specific HPV vaccination recommendations for yourself or your child.
Advanced Treatment Options
Treatment of cancer depends on many factors, including your overall health, the type, stage, and location of cancer. We are committed to providing you with the best possible treatment for your specific cancer and your personal needs. Effective treatment of cancer requires a coordinated team of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists with specialized expertise in treating gynecologic cancers. Together they determine the most appropriate treatment plan and provide seamless patient care throughout the entire course of treatment. Whether you need single, dual or a combination of all three therapies, you can be confident that you are receiving the highest level of care. Your treatment plan may include:
- Surgery: Surgery may be performed to remove a tumor as well as some surrounding tissue to help ensure the cancer is eliminated. In more advanced cases, removal of the organs may be required with a total hysterectomy or removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Robot-assisted, minimally invasive techniques are becoming the gold standard for many gynecologic surgeries at St. Joseph’s Health. Equipped with the da Vinci® Surgical System — one of the most advanced surgical technologies available today — our gynecologic surgeons can perform many procedures with smaller incisions, significantly less pain, and a lower risk of infection and complications – meaning a faster recovery and return to normal activities for you.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent a recurrence of the disease. Radiation therapy for patients with gynecological cancer is used primarily to treat areas to which the cancer has spread, rather than as a form of treatment for the primary tumor. It can be administered either as external radiation therapy (from outside the body) or internal radiation therapy (a radioactive substance is placed in or near the tumor).
- Chemotherapy and other medical therapies: Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with medicines. It is usually given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. We offer newer medications that help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy as well as some of the latest targeted and combination therapies.
Patient-Centered Care
We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life changing event, affecting your life in many different ways. At St. Joseph’s Health, we combine our clinical expertise with superior support services to help you through your cancer journey. We offer a full complement of support services tailored to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of our cancer patients, including genetic counseling, support groups, social work, nutritional counseling, and palliative care. From physical discomfort to emotional stress, we are here to guide you through each stage of your cancer journey as you navigate from treatment to recovery.
Contact Us
The Cancer Center at Paterson
703 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
973-754-4891
The Cancer Center at Wayne
234 Hamburg Turnpike
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-389-6040
The Cancer Center at Totowa
225 Minnisink Road
Totowa, NJ 07512
862-657-4960