Gynecologic cancer innovations are reducing the impacts of surgery for many Ohio State cancer patients. Gynecologic cancers can affect many areas of women’s bodies, including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vulva, vagina and fallopian tubes. Traditional treatment for involves chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of one or more of those methods. While surgeries have long been core components of many gynecologic treatment plans, efforts are increasingly underway to reduce the physical toll those procedures can take on patients. “Minimally-invasive options allow us to do the surgeries that we've always done, but with smaller incisions,” Laura Chambers, DO, says. “Patients have quicker recovery, decreased risk of post-operative complications and a faster time just getting back to normal life.” Click to learn more about cancer surgery innovation at The Ohio State University. Gynecologic surgeons are among many Ohio State doctors breaking new ground in minimally-invasive surgeries as part of the growing focus on quality of life as a pillar of comprehensive cancer care. Another area of focus at the OSUCCC – James is clinical research, which pairs patients with experts to create new cancer treatments. Gynecologic oncologists are currently conducting a clinical trial that uses the HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) technique to deliver chemotherapy to ovarian cancer patients during surgery. “We’re investigating doing HIPEC in the operating room, or giving chemotherapy the day before,” Chambers says. “It’s a really exciting, novel option that we have here at Ohio State.” Click to learn more about cancer clinical trials at the OSUCCC – James. More about gynecologic cancer Gynecologic cancers are diagnosed tens-of-thousands of times each year, making prevention, early detection and treatment innovation vital efforts to improve women’s health around the world. While gynecologic cancers can present differently depending on type, women should see their doctors if they experience unexplained changes, including abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, or pain in the abdomen or pelvic area, or during sex and/or urination. While screenings aren’t available for all types of gynecologic cancer, pap tests can help doctors identify cervical cancer in its early and treatable stages. Multiple gynecologic cancers can be prevented, most notably through HPV vaccination, which can significantly lower the risk of many types of cancer for male and female patients. Click to learn more about gynecologic cancer care at The Ohio State University.