World Cancer Day: How gynecologic cancer care is evolving

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — World Cancer Day shines a spotlight on progress in cancer prevention and treatment, and doctors, such as those in the Richmond area, said major advances are changing outcomes for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers.

While gynecologic cancers are less common than breast cancer, many are preventable — and new technology is improving how they’re treated.

Dr. Cecelia Boardman, a gynecologic oncologist and director of gynecologic oncology at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, said the field has made steady progress.

“What gives me the most hope is the perspective that we have moved the needle consistently over the past 25 years,” Dr. Boardman said.

Dr. Boardman treats women with cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers — including endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, which is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.

“I care for women with gynecologic cancers from diagnosis, through their surgery, through their chemotherapy if needed, and then long-term follow-up,” she said.

Although gynecologic cancers affect fewer women than breast cancer, Boardman stresses their impact is still significant.

“Breast cancer accounts for about 200,000 cases a year in the U.S," Boardman explained. "Uterine cancer is about 80,000, ovarian cancer just over 20,000, and cervical cancer about 12,000. Even combined, they’re not the magnitude of breast cancer — but they’re still very important.”

Doctors said a number of gynecologic cancers can be prevented through lifestyle choices, vaccinations and routine screenings.

“Always be an advocate for yourself. Know your body. Know your family history. Know your medical history,” Boardman said. “Knowledge is power.”

Cervical cancer, she noted, is one of the most preventable cancers.

“HPV vaccination starting at age nine and Pap smear screening starting in our 20s help primarily — or secondarily — prevent the development of cervical cancer,” Boardman said. “Getting a Pap smear and getting any precancerous changes treated helps to significantly reduce your risk of cervical cancer."

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Boardman has been in clinical practice for 25 years and said one of the biggest breakthroughs has been surgical technology.

“The biggest change we’ve seen is the advent of robotic surgery and the proof that it’s safe for certain types of cancer we treat, particularly endometrial cancer,” she said.

Robotic surgery allows doctors to perform complex procedures through tiny incisions, leading to faster recovery and fewer complications.

“Patients can often go home the same day or the next day, with much lower risk of complications like pneumonia or blood clots,” Boardman said. “We are right on the cusp of a whole armamentarium of new treatments that target cancer cells directly and minimize toxicities to healthy cells,” she said.

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Rather than traditional chemotherapy, many newer treatments focus on a patient’s genetic and molecular cancer profile.

“These aren’t even chemotherapies — they’re targeted therapies,” Boardman said. “They give us great hope, not just for gynecologic oncology, but for all fields of cancer.”

On World Cancer Day, Boardman urges women to stay proactive about their health.

“You change the oil on your car, you should be taking care of your body,” she said. “Follow recommended vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle strategies. It’s one of the most powerful things you can do.”

Doctors said staying up to date on Pap smears, getting the HPV vaccine, maintaining a healthy weight, knowing your family history, and considering genetic testing can all help reduce the risk of gynecologic cancers.