Specialists matter. If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer it is imperative that you get to what’s called a gynecologic oncologist. As Dr. Marta A. Crispens, gynecologic oncologist at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, says, “In terms of finding a doctor, we know very clearly that ovarian cancer patients who are cared for by gynecologic oncologists do better than patients who receive care from other types of physicians.”
Gynecologic oncologists have a comprehensive knowledge of gynecologic cancers that allows them to make more informed decisions about how aggressively to treat gynecologic cancer patients with certain therapies such as chemotherapy, neoadjuvant therapy, or primary debulking surgery.
There is consistent data showing that ovarian cancer patients who see a gynecologic oncologist have better outcomes than those who see general gynecologists or oncologists.
There are several ways to find gynecologic oncologists in your area. These include databases from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and Women’s Cancer Network, both of which have listings of gynecological oncologists in given areas. Usually, you need a referral to visit these specialists, and your gynecologist or internist can provide that referral to a specialist they’re familiar with. It’s helpful for the doctor who refers you to have a working relationship with the gynecologic oncologist and be confident about the care you’re receiving.
RELATED: Ovarian Cancer Treatment: COVID-19 Throws Doctors a Curveball
With the current COVID-19 crisis, gynecologic oncologists have become even more knowledgable about cancer treatments and the constantly changing protocols for ovarian cancer patients during COVID-19. Ovarian cancer specialists must readjust patient care to adhere to new COVID-19 restrictions. This means that surgeries may be postponed as a result of the pandemic and that oncologists may have to change the timing of chemotherapy and other treatments. Gynecologic oncologists are the specialists best equipped to handle these changes, since they are the most experienced in ovarian cancer care.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Marta A. Crispens, MD, is director, division of gynecologic oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Read More
Specialists matter. If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer it is imperative that you get to what’s called a gynecologic oncologist. As Dr. Marta A. Crispens, gynecologic oncologist at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, says, “In terms of finding a doctor, we know very clearly that ovarian cancer patients who are cared for by gynecologic oncologists do better than patients who receive care from other types of physicians.”
Gynecologic oncologists have a comprehensive knowledge of gynecologic cancers that allows them to make more informed decisions about how aggressively to treat gynecologic cancer patients with certain therapies such as chemotherapy, neoadjuvant therapy, or primary debulking surgery.
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There is consistent data showing that ovarian cancer patients who see a gynecologic oncologist have better outcomes than those who see general gynecologists or oncologists.
There are several ways to find gynecologic oncologists in your area. These include databases from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and Women’s Cancer Network, both of which have listings of gynecological oncologists in given areas. Usually, you need a referral to visit these specialists, and your gynecologist or internist can provide that referral to a specialist they’re familiar with. It’s helpful for the doctor who refers you to have a working relationship with the gynecologic oncologist and be confident about the care you’re receiving.
RELATED: Ovarian Cancer Treatment: COVID-19 Throws Doctors a Curveball
With the current COVID-19 crisis, gynecologic oncologists have become even more knowledgable about cancer treatments and the constantly changing protocols for ovarian cancer patients during COVID-19. Ovarian cancer specialists must readjust patient care to adhere to new COVID-19 restrictions. This means that surgeries may be postponed as a result of the pandemic and that oncologists may have to change the timing of chemotherapy and other treatments. Gynecologic oncologists are the specialists best equipped to handle these changes, since they are the most experienced in ovarian cancer care.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Marta A. Crispens, MD, is director, division of gynecologic oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Read More
