Gynaecological cancers – fast facts
The five gynaecological cancers start in the female reproductive system – ovarian, cervical, womb, vulva and vagina.- Most are found in women over 50, apart from cervical cancer which is most common between 30 to 45 years of age. Cervical cancer is very rare in women under 25 years but can occur and the incidence of other gynaecological cancers in women under 50 has been rising.
- Awareness of gynaecological cancers is very low and some can be difficult for the patient to spot or doctors to diagnose because they share their symptoms with other common conditions.
- Endometrial cancer has recently become the most common gynaecological cancer, largely because the population is getting heavier.
- One third of all cancers are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. Obesity and smoking are high risk factors for a number of gynaecological cancers and cervical cancer is largely preventable through screening and early treatment. Cervical cancer is the only gynaecological cancer with a national screening programme.
- Cervical screening (the smear test) is available to women from their mid-twenties to mid-sixties.
Reduce your risk of gynaecological cancers
- Have the HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus that can cause cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers. It does not protect against all types of HPV (human papilloma virus) so it is still important to attend cervical screening from the age of 25.
- Schedule a smear test, which will decrease your risk of cervical cancer by 90 percent. But smear tests don’t screen for cancers of the ovary, uterus or fallopian tubes so it’s important to be aware of any other unusual changes to your body.
- Being attuned to cancer’s warning signs helps detect disease in its early stages so take action early when treatment will be more successful.
- See the right doctor – more than 60 percent of women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers are treated by the wrong doctor. Gynaecological oncologists are more specialised than general gynaecologists to care for women with reproductive cancers. They use the newest, most effective treatments, including keyhole and robotic surgery, resulting in significantly higher cure rates and reducing the impact of surgery on patients
- Enjoy a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking.
- You could have an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer if there is a history of cancer in your family. Talk to your doctor to find out what can be done.
Diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer?
Dr Brinkmann knows from his extensive experience of treating and talking to people with cancer that you are likely to be seeking two principal things at this time: the very best treatment possible; and to be regarded as a unique individual with your own distinct needs.
The cancer journey can seem a bewildering and winding road, with a succession of specialists, choices and decisions. Profusion of information, rather than being a help, is like an assault of facts without an authoritative figure to help you negotiate it. At this time, more than any other, you need someone whose skill and opinions you can trust and believe in. Also, the need to take an active role in your own treatment helps the mental step from being a passive victim to an active participant in your own treatment and care. Trained in a variety of international settings, Dr Brinkmann is well placed to offer both the medical skill and personal support you need as you travel this journey.
Starting your treatment journey
If you are concerned about potential symptoms of cancer, your foremost visit is to your GP who will refer you for an urgent outpatient appointment. Request an appointment with Mr Brinkmann here.
Your first appointment with Dr Brinkmann will last about 40 minutes during which time he will take a patient history and examination, possibly also an ultrasound scan or biopsy. Depending on your condition you may need further blood tests or other imaging, or perhaps and in-patient diagnostic procedure. As soon as your diagnostic information is available, Dr Brinkmann will see you for a follow-up appointment to confirm your diagnosis and establish a decision to treat.
Dr Brinkmann believes in empowering each patient to find their own best way of managing their disease: there is not necessarily ‘one correct way’.
Information eases fear
After a confirmation of their diagnosis, many people simply cannot focus on information given to them during their consultation. Please click here for a guide to some of the questions you might like to ask Dr Brinkmann during your first appointment. Its aim is to encourage those who feel anxious by developing a sense of confidence, allowing a better understanding of your disease and helping you decide your own treatment plan.
Cancer surgery and other treatment
Your treatment plan may include surgery, and perhaps chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or a combination of all three. There are many different permutations depending on your unique situation, which will be discussed between you at your follow-up appointment.
Mr Brinkmann can recommend minimal access surgery (either laparoscopic or robotic) wherever possible to reduce patient discomfort, promote more rapid healing and minimise the effect of surgery on cancer patients. He is a highly regarded minimal access surgeon with extensive experience of complex major surgery for gynaecological cancer. As the clinical lead for gynaecology cancer in Portsmouth he led the implementation of robotic surgery for gynaecology at Queen Alexandra Hospital. Private patients can benefit from robotic surgery at the Private Patient Unit there. Whilst surgical expertise is paramount, so is an ability to relate to patients with compassion and respect.Where necessary Dr Brinkmann works in conjunction with well respected colleagues, and with them and the Cancer Partners UK facility all available at Spire Portsmouth Hospital your treatment can be as streamlined as possible. As a team, we are here to reassure you that your treatment will be excellent and beneficial to you.
Medical Guides
Experience also tells us that most people diagnosed with cancer know very little about their disease. If you would like more medical information about your diagnosis, please see Cancer Care.
Follow up regime
For the majority of patients, completing surgery brings mixed emotions from relief to a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability about the future. Some may worry by overly focusing on published statistics. Throughout this time, there is no substitute for the regular support and care provided by Dr Brinkmann and his team. Depending on your specific management you are likely to have a succession of three, six and then twelve month follow-up appointments, normally shared between Dr Brinkmann and your clinical oncologist. This gives you a regular opportunity to ensure your health remains on track as well as asking lingering questions, such as the familial or genetic aspect of women’s cancer and how it may affect your family.
Mental stress can be as hard to deal with as the illness itself and therefore the strong need for both information and reliable guidance is invaluable. Dr Brinkmann is able to offer this support and continuity throughout your five year follow up programme. His experience within this unique relationship has earned the trust and loyalty of many patients as they return to ‘normal life’.
Testimonials
A patient’s verdict on their experience with Dr Brinkmann has far more meaning than any words we might write. Read the stories of satisfied Brinkmann Gynaecology patients.