Comprehensive Care for Women with Cancers of the Pelvis and Pelvic Floor

Transitioning From Active Treatment to Recovery

Once patients are cancer-free after months or years of treatment, they often don’t know what to do next. Many experience anxiety and a loss of the sense of safety that came from regular appointments with their oncologist and treatment team.

Our team works to provide that safety and support. We monitor each patient for any treatment side effects and develop personalized treatment plans to restore any genitourinary, bowel or sexual function that may have been compromised by cancer and/or cancer treatments. The clinic welcomes women who have been treated for or are currently undergoing treatment for a variety of pelvic and non-pelvic cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Leukemia/Lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Uterine/endometrial cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

Possible Side Effects of Pelvic Cancer Treatments

The specialists at our clinic understand the potential problems that may occur when radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or surgery are used to treat women with pelvic cancers. These therapies are highly effective at treating cancer but may also damage or alter healthy tissue, structures and organs. The resulting side effects may include:

• Bowel problems (constipation and/or diarrhea)
• Overactive bladder – the frequent, urgent need to urinate
• Vesico-vaginal fistulas (an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina)
• Recto-vaginal fistulas (an abnormal opening between the rectum and the vagina)
• Premature menopause (if partial or complete hysterectomy is performed)
• Sexual dysfunction including vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

All of these conditions can be successfully treated with medications, minimally invasive procedures and/or reconstructive surgery. For many women, particularly those experiencing urinary or sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor therapy may be recommended in addition to other medical or surgical treatments.