Having a gynecological cancer may be challenging. However, understanding the disease, learning how to manage symptoms and side effects, maintaining your emotional health, and engaging in strategies for healthy living can provide a sense of control and enhance well-being.

Find Support & Information

• Speak with an oncology nurse navigator or oncology therapist who is skilled and caring and has experience working with people with gynecological cancers and their families. We can prepare you for issues you might face throughout treatment such as symptom management, and strategies to reduce stress for you and your family.
• Please come to see us for a referral to specialists such as pelvic floor therapists and genetic counselors or to ask questions about sexual health in a confidential, supportive atmosphere.
• Attend our Gynecological Cancers group to meet others facing similar issues. An experienced oncology therapist and oncology nurse navigator facilitate this group. The group discusses topics like these:
  • Available treatments, including surgery, various radiation therapies, and chemotherapies.
  • The treatment experience of other group members.
  • How to manage side effects, including fatigue, menopausal symptoms, neuropathy, changes in weight, body image, sexual health, and benefits of a pelvic floor specialist.
  • Clinical trials.
  • Role of genetics.
  • Ideas for stress management and strategies to manage irritable, anxious, or depressed mood or fears of recurrence.
  • Ideas for communicating with family members, relationship challenges, and how to return to work or school.
• Register for programs that can help maintain physical and emotional health. Free classes on these topics might be of special interest to people with gynecological cancers:
  • Nutrition.
  • Fitness and yoga to maintain strength and stamina.
  • Insomnia management.
  • Meditation/guided imagery.
  • Look Good Feel Better.
• Join us for our Amethyst Jubilee, an annual celebration of women with gynecological cancers, which features a special guest speaker.
• For partners and family members, check out our Caregiver Connection group or Tools for Couples, a four-week series.
• Consult with one of our therapists or your physician about getting a referral to see our psychiatrist/psycho-oncologist to assess mood and medication (for a fee).
• Talk to an Inova genetic counselor.
• Try a massage (for a fee). Make an appointment.

Resources

• National Cervical Cancer Coalition: Serves women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. It offers information and support, including an online community.
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: Works to prevent and cure ovarian cancer and to improve the quality of life for survivors.
• Ovarian Cancer National Alliance: Connects ovarian cancer survivors, women at risk, caregivers, and health providers with the information and resources they need, including a section for people who have just been diagnosed. Build awareness for Women’s cancer.
• National Cervical Cancer Coalition: Serves women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. It offers information and support, including an online community.
• National Race to End Women’s Cancer: Join us at the next National Race to End Women’s Cancer. Inova Life with Cancer joined with endometrial cancer survivor, Ann Schultz and her team, Ann’s Army to support gynecological cancer research at the annual National Race to End Women’s Cancers in Washington DC. Watch Ann’s inspirational message

Looking for answers to your questions about gynecological cancers? We're here to help; contact us.