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The Ovarian and Reproductive Cancer Recovery Program

Women's Health Resource Center
California Campus - East
3698 California Street, Lobby Level
San Francisco, CA 94118

For more information or to make an appointment, please Call 415-600-0500 or e-mail Diane Cameron.
Directions to our facility.

The Ovarian and Reproductive Cancer Recovery Program assists women undergoing treatment for uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and peritoneal cancer. The program is free and offers education and support services that are individualized and tailored to each person's needs. The program supports women in their quest for physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being during their treatment and recovery. Our goal is to empower women in their diversity across their lifespan, and to participate in every aspect of their treatment plan and recovery.

Ovarian and Reproductive Cancer Recovery Program Team
Individualized Care
Program Elements
Ovarian and Reproductive Cancers

Ovarian and Reproductive Cancer Recovery Program Team

The team includes cancer specialists who are dedicated to providing the information and the support that patients need through treatment and recovery. The clinical team includes an advanced practice nurse, social worker, nutritionist, psychological counselors, acupuncturist, massage therapists, hair-loss consultant, yoga instructor, cosmetologist, and lymphedema educator.

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Individualized Care

Care begins with a complimentary session with the program director and nurse practitioner, Barb Silver, RNC, MS, FNP. She helps prepare individuals for treatment by providing education, emotional support, resources, and referrals. The nurse practitioner becomes an ongoing partner throughout the recovery process, is accessible to answer any questions that arise during treatment, and provides support as needed.

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Program Elements

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy symptom management education
Surgical or medical menopause symptom management education
Information and support on body image and sexuality
Immediate access to hairpieces, turbans, scarves, and hats
Individual emotional support
Partner and family support
Support group for Women with Ovarian or Other Reproductive Cancers
Massage therapy
Social services
Gentle yoga
Makeover & skin care consultation
Nutritional counseling
Internet access and tutoring
Lymphedema education

Ovarian and Reproductive Cancers

Annually in the United States there are more than 75,000 newly diagnosed cases of uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer annually, the three most common GYN cancers. Each cancer may have a variety of symptoms and associated risk factors.

Risk Factors Include:

Endometrial cancer

Estrogen replacement without progestin
Obesity
Never giving birth

Ovarian cancer

Early menses or late menopause
Increasing age
Family history of ovarian cancer
Positive test for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

Cervical cancer

Infections with human papillomavrius (HPV)
Smoking
Multiple sexual partners

Signs & Symptoms:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal discomfort, bloating, pelvic pressure, and low back discomfort
Painful urination
Pain during intercourse
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse

What you can do:

See your health care provider for a complete pelvic exam and Pap smear annually
Use condoms to reduce the risk of all sexually transmitted diseases
Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy body weight
Contact the Women's Health Resource Center for a GYN cancer risk assessment
Discuss your cancer risk factors and family history with your health care provider
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you are experiencing any of the following:

Vaginal bleeding between periods or postmenopausal bleeding
Vaginal discharge or bleeding after intercourse
Unusual abdominal bloating or changes in bladder or bowel function