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 Gynecological (GYN) 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, to participate in every aspect of their treatment plan and recovery.

GYN 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 physicians, advanced practice nurses, social workers, a nutritionist, massage therapists, hair-loss consultant, guided imagery therapist, cosmetologist, chaplain, and lymphedema educator.

Individualized Care

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

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

GYN cancer support groups

Partner's support group

Massage therapy

Social services

Guided imagery

Yoga

Make over & skin care consultation

Nutritional counseling

Internet access and tutoring

Lymphedema education

Chaplain services

Gynecological Cancer

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
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 lowback discomfort

Painful urination

Pain during intercourse

Vaginal bleeding after incourse

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 bleding between periods or postmenopausal bleeding
- vaginal discharge or bleedingn after intercourse
- unusual abdominal bloating or changes in bladder or bowel function