Gynecological 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 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, yoga instructor, cosmetologist, 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 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


• Support group for Women with Gynecological Cancer
  
• Massage therapy


• Social services


• Gentle yoga


• Makeover & skin care consultation


• Nutritional counseling


• Internet access and tutoring


• Lymphedema education

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 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