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Spring Survey 2012 Results

Closing Thoughts

Program: In what way does being female increase your cancer risk? A look at gynecologic cancers
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Andrew Schorr:

Just a few minutes left with Patient Power and I want to get some final comments as we conclude our program on gynecologic cancers, so ovarian, all the uterine ones, endometrial. Remember, the replay will be on patientpower.info.

So Heidi Gray, so you are Gina's doctor. I always ask, are you encouraged? Do you think where we're headed can help treat these cancers better and hopefully earlier? I know it's a long road.

Dr. Gray:

Absolutely. I think that we're really at an exciting time in cancer research where the technology that has come about really in the a last ten, 15 years has been really breakthrough. And in the area, we haven't spoken about it too much, but in ovarian cancer research and a lot of the other solid tumors really trying to figure out what it is about these cancers that will enable us to detect them sooner and therefore make them much more curable, the time is now. And I'm very encouraged that the next ten to 15 years is going to be a very exciting time in cancer research.

Andrew Schorr:

Okay. And the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance plays a key role in that, so keep your eye on clinical trials there if these are cancers that affect you.

Dr. Greer, a quick comment from you. So for women who have spotting, sound like if it continues and certainly if they're later, 59, like Gina, to investigate it further.

Dr. Greer:

That's correct. I think that Gina's story is a powerful story to alert women of what they need to do and what kind of action, especially if they don't appear to be getting the right information from their primary care physician.

Andrew Schorr:

Okay, Dr. Ben Greer from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Thank you.

And, Gina Milano, you've gone through months and months of treatment. What do you want to leave women with, because you found you needed to be a proactive patient. What would you say if they're concerned?

Gina:

Take control of your health. Listen to your body. Go to the appropriate physician, preferably a specialist. That's a regret that I had is that I didn't go to a specialist earlier. If you don't get the answers that you like go get a second opinion. You're in charge. No one takes care of you or should take care of you better than yourself.

Andrew Schorr:

Well, I wish you well. I know you've been through a lot. You've got the great support, a partner who is helping you and some great friends.

Gina:

And Seattle Cancer Care Alliance has been wonderful. They've been very supportive and encouraging and never made me feel like I was rushed like you do at some doctor's offices.

Andrew Schorr:

And thanks to your doctor, Dr. Gray, for coming in with you. Thanks to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for being one of our loyal sponsors. University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and Virginia Mason, thank you all.

Next week we're going to have Dr. Peter Roy-Byrne, who is from Harborview Medical Center. He's a psychiatrist. We're going to talk about something we think about more as the gray blanket comes on, but it affects people year around of course, and that's anxiety and depression. Certainly you may know somebody where this is something that affects them. What's the latest thinking about treatment? When did you need treatment? Who did you see? How do you help go on and have a high quality of life and live the life that you should, feeling good about things?

As always, remember, knowledge can be the best medicine of all. Check out our website, patientpower.info, and this is me, Andrew Schorr, wishing you and your family the best of health. See you next week.

Please remember the opinions expressed on Patient Power are not necessarily the views of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, our sponsors, partners or Patient Power. Our discussions are not a substitute for seeking medical advice or care from your own doctor. Please have this discussion you’re your own doctor, that’s how you’ll get care that’s most appropriate for you.

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